Ottawa Student Transportation Authority

Do you know when to stop for a school bus?

When a school bus stops and its red lights are flashing, you are required to stop, whether you’re approaching from the front or behind. Drivers coming from behind must stay at least 20 metres back and remain stopped until the bus moves or the lights stop flashing. The only exception is on roads with a physical median, where only traffic behind the bus is required to stop.

Learn more about our pilot program with BusPatrol at https://ow.ly/AR9Q50Z3NNX

It's back!!

Sign up for First Rider today! 🏫🚍

All children entering the school system and/or taking the bus for the first time, or new residents to the City should plan to attend. The day’s activities are suitable for all elementary school-age children and everyone is welcome.

The event takes place on Sunday, August 23, 2026 at multiple school locations across Ottawa.

For more information and to register, visit our website: https://ow.ly/EWOj50Z6jAK

Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB)
Ottawa Catholic Schools (OCSB)

Time is running out - New Joint Custody forms due today!

OSTA's Joint Custody forms for the 2026-2027 school year are available on our website.

Variable Transportation is when OSTA provides transportation services to students who have a joint custody/access arrangement and whose two homes meet all eligibility requirements.

The deadline for NEW applications is June 1 to ensure transportation can begin on the first day of school in September.

For details: https://ow.ly/140c50YMNI3

Today is the last day to opt out of transportation.

Did you know that if your eligible child doesn't require school bus transportation for the 2026-2027 school year, you can opt out? Please fill out an online form by June 1 to let OSTA know that a seat is not needed. This will help optimize services and minimize disruptions.

Requests for reinstated service can be made anytime through OSTA’s Transportation Issues Form, and is subject to availability and eligibility.

For more information: https://ow.ly/hcWb50YMLVV

School Crossing Guard Appreciation Week is a dedicated time to recognize and celebrate the commitment, professionalism, and care shown by School Crossing Guards in keeping our roads safer—especially for students walking or cycling to school. Their presence supports safe and active travel, builds trust within neighbourhoods, and contributes directly to community well-being. Thank you!!!

🚌 At OSTA, our mission is to provide safe, reliable, and efficient transportation for OCDSB and OCSB students.

We invite you to take two minutes to reflect on your family’s transportation experience this past school year. Your anonymous feedback is important and will be shared with our transportation operators as we work together to ensure the best possible experience for our students. Please submit by June 9.

⏱️ Time: No more than 2 minutes (skip any questions not relevant to you!) 🔒 Privacy: Completely anonymous

🔗 Link: https://ow.ly/3T3n50Z68kq

By completing and submitting the survey, you are giving your informed consent.

Thank you for your time and valuable input!
Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) Ottawa Catholic Schools (OCSB)

ICYMI: We’ve launched a new pilot program with BusPatrol to help tackle the issue of illegal school bus passings and explore how technology can keep our students safe.

Some of our buses are now equipped with cameras that use artificial intelligence to detect when drivers don’t stop for the bus, putting students at risk.

During this pilot, no citations will be issued. Instead, we will be collecting data and video to reveal just how often cars illegally pass stopped school buses, and how technology could make our roads safer.

Want to learn more? Visit

School Bus Safety Pilot Program - Ottawa School Bus OSTA has partnered with BusPatrol to pilot automated enforcement technology on school buses to help further ensure students have a safe ride both to and from school. Every day across Ontario, drivers illegally pass stopped school buses, putting students at risk as they get on and off the bus. The da...

Time is running out - New Joint Custody forms due June !

OSTA's Joint Custody forms for the 2026-2027 school year are now available on our website.

Variable Transportation is when OSTA provides transportation services to students who have a joint custody/access arrangement and whose two homes meet all eligibility requirements.

The deadline for NEW applications is June 1 to ensure transportation can begin on the first day of school in September.

For details: https://ow.ly/140c50YMNI3

Time is running out! June 1 is the deadline to opt out of transportation.

Did you know that if your eligible child doesn't require school bus transportation for the 2026-2027 school year, you can opt out? Please fill out an online form by June 1 to let OSTA know that a seat is not needed. This will help optimize services and minimize disruptions.

Requests for reinstated service can be made anytime through OSTA’s Transportation Issues Form, and is subject to availability and eligibility.

For more information: https://ow.ly/hcWb50YMLVV