Article content
The Ottawa Student Transportation Authority still needs 28 more school bus drivers before the start of the school year.
In a letter to parents and guardians on Wednesday, OSTA said the shortage could impact about 112 school bus runs.
“Unlike last fall, when the shortage primarily impacted our west/south end communities, this driver shortage impacts all areas we serve,” the letter said, though it added that a comprehensive list of routes on “long-term cancellation” wouldn’t be posted on OSTA’s website until next week, when the Parent Portal opens.
Article content
OSTA said it couldn’t provide information sooner because operators were still meeting with available drivers to confirm route assignments.
“Our operators have indicated that they have many drivers in training, most of whom will be available to service our runs on the first day of school. Operators are confident that many of the long-term cancellations will be resolved,” the letter to parents read.
Cancelled routes may be reinstated before the school year starts, OSTA added.
“Information about cancellations is intended to give parents and guardians as much notice as possible so they can plan alternative arrangements in the worst-case scenario.”
In 2023, as students returned to classrooms in fall, parents of approximately 7,500 students learned that their school buses had been cancelled because of increased fuel prices and difficulty in hiring drivers as well as one bus company not renewing its contract. At that time, OSTA was short about 130 bus drivers, though by October the shortage was down to 71 after more drivers were hired and trained.
OSTA manages and co-ordinates bus transportation for students at the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) and the Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB).
Recommended from Editorial
Share this article in your social network