Did you know that historically we receive 60% of changes in September after the bus routes are already set up!  This simply means that the bus routes are constantly changing in September, and families do not get that consistency of service we hope to provide.  Please help us ensure a smoother start to the school year by confirming your child’s transportation details with the school as soon as possible.

“One must verify or expel his doubts, and convert them into the certainty of Yes or NO” – Thomas Carlyle

Data from sick kids https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/healthaz/prevention/e-bicycles-e-scooters-and-other-electronic-recreational-devices-safety/?hub=injuryprev&hubSite=https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/#/  shows students are at significant risk of injury when using those modes of transportation.  We encourage our families to find active and safe modes of travel to and from school, but e-scooters do not fit the bill.  All schools should have bike racks available to allow students to ride and store their bike at the school in a safe and secured manner.

“One way to find out if you are old is to fall down in front of a lot of people.  If they laugh, you’re still young.  If they panic and start running to you, you’re old.” – Unknown

At school sites, remember it is imperative that bus loading zone areas are kept clear for school bus usage.  Be respectful of the “School Bus Loading Zones”, enforcement penalties may be levied for non-bus drivers that utilize this space.

The most dangerous time on any school bus ride is getting on and off the school bus. Young children are not aware of traffic and easily distracted. Please ensure that all bus arrivals and departures have staff to supervise and direct students through the busy loading zone and onto their school bus or the school property.   

Parents & schools can check the TDSB, TCDSB, or TSTG web sites to see if a notice has been posted regarding cancellation of transportation or contact the bus carrier directly to find out if bussing  has been cancelled.

Bus delays are reported on the Consortium website and are updated by our transportation providers on an on-going basis.  If parents are concerned about inclement weather, they have the right to keep their child at home (especially in the case of medically fragile students or students who currently are on the bus for extended length of time) even if transportation is not cancelled by the School Board. 

The travel time for students may easily double or triple depending on how the weather has impacted traffic in the city.  Children should be dressed appropriately for the colder weather, in the event of an unexpected mechanical problems with the bus which may occur more frequently at this time of the year.   You can also review more information on Winter Safety at Bus Stops on the TDSB, TCDSB, TSTG web site on the Transportation page.

• When walking or wheeling, travel with friends, family or in groups.
• When crossing the street, obey signalized traffic commands and crossing guard instructions.
• Use the sidewalk where provided. Children up to 13 years of age may ride their bikes on City sidewalks.

Not everyone may have a big brother or sister to help them on their first day so we have a number of suggestions to help reduce the stress associated with those first day jitters for both the students and parents.

Talk to your child about travelling to and from school each day.

♣ Tell me about how I will get to school: Will I walk? Will you drive me? Will I take the school bus?

♣ Remind me each day how I will get home and who will pick me up.

♣ Walk or drive me to school before the first day to show me the way.

♣ Teach me to wait for the bus on the side walk, well back from the road.

♣ When the bus stops and the door opens, show me how to climb up the steps and hold onto the railing.

♣ Remind me to behave, listen to the driver and sit quietly.

♣ Teach me to recognize my regular stop. I should only get off the bus here.

♣ Teach me how to get off the bus safely. I should watch the driver for the okay and look all ways before I cross the street.

♣ I should tell the driver I see who is to meet me and walk to the person who is picking me up.

Best of luck on your first day of school!

“Labor Day is a glorious holiday because your child will be going back to school the next day.  It would have been called Independence Day, but that name was already taken.”  ~Bill Dodds

The portal is now open.  We encourage all families to check your child’s transportation information at that time before school starts so any omissions or changes can be made prior to the first day of school.

Please update your bookmarks if you have this page saved.  You can always access the Transportation Portal via the transportation consortium website at www.torontoschoolbus.org 

Everyone please stay safe.

Student Transportation Services