With the start of school less than a week away, a school bus driver shortage means some routes will be cancelled to start the new year.
The Ottawa Student Transportation Authority (OSTA) says it has been in constant communication with its operators over the past few weeks, and currently, there is a shortage of about 24 bus drivers, with approximately 19 drivers in training and awaiting their licenses from the Ministry of Transportation.
The authority says the shortage impacts less than 2 per cent of its transportation services, approximately 88 transportation runs, which is an increase in the number of vacancies reported last week.
Some operators servicing Nepean, Gloucester, and Kars have reported increased driver shortages, including seven drivers who are awaiting licensing clearance from the MTO.
OSTA said it has contacted ministry partners to expedite the process and hopes the routes will return to service early next week.
“I understand how frustrating this news will be for some of you, said OSTA in a press release issued on Wednesday, Aug. 28. “OSTA acknowledges the hardship caused by cancellations, especially for families on rural routes that face significant costs and time commitments in transporting their children to school. OSTA is committed to ensuring students have safe, reliable, and efficient transportation to and from school. That is why we continue to invest in our Drive Yellow recruitment campaign to address the driver shortage by recruiting more drivers for the operators.”
The list of cancelled routes is posted here, and another update is expected next week.
Also, a reminder that services may change daily, so continue to monitor the website for information about cancelled routes.