Student Transportation Services of Thunder Bay

What if your child could build confidence, develop leadership skills, and help make their school bus a safer place for everyone?

The CAA School Bus Patroller Program gives older elementary students the opportunity to become positive role models while learning responsibility, teamwork, and citizenship. Patrollers receive training and support, and volunteer just a few minutes each day while riding the bus.

As a School Bus Patroller, students help by:
🟢 Modelling safe and respectful behaviour on the bus
🟢 Assisting younger students during their ride
🟢 Supporting the driver during emergency evacuation procedures
🟢 Demonstrating leadership and teamwork every day they ride

Great Bus Patrollers are:
✅ Students in Grades 5-8
✅ Responsible and safety-minded
✅ Regular bus riders who spend most of the route on the bus

Beyond bus safety, the program helps students build character, confidence, and lifelong leadership skills that extend well beyond the school day.

Want to see this opportunity at your child's school?
📧 Contact your school principal today.
📢 Let them know your family supports participation in the CAA School Bus Patroller Program.
🚍 Help bring this valuable leadership opportunity to your school community.

🚌 First Rider 2026 is Coming for Our New JK Students!

Registration opens at ststb.ca, August 24-28, 2026 for the First Rider Bus Ride Program.

Join us on Saturday, August 29, 2026 for this free program designed to help first-time school bus riders and their families prepare for a safe and confident start to the school year. Children will have the opportunity to ride a school bus, learn important bus safety rules, and become familiar with what to expect on their first day of school.

For 32 years, our First Rider school bus safety program has helped kick off the school careers of thousands of students across Thunder Bay and Area. We are excited to invite families to participate in our 33rd annual First Rider event and help make those first steps onto the school bus a positive and memorable experience.

Over the past several years, we've asked parents to share feedback about their child's First Rider experience. Be sure to check out the photos included in this post to see what some families have had to say about how the program helped their child feel more comfortable and confident before the first day of school.

🚍🍎📚 Register and watch the First Rider safety video online August 24-28 and let us help your child get ready for their school bus adventure! More info: https://ststb.ca/en/safety/first-rider

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our dear friend and retired STSTB colleague, Fred Fingler, on July 2, 2026.

Fred dedicated his career to student transportation, serving the community long before the creation of STSTB and continuing until his retirement in 2022. He was someone we could always count on, not only for his strong work ethic and unwavering commitment, but also for his willingness to help others, share his knowledge, and bring a sense of humour to even the busiest days. His kindness, wisdom, and friendship left a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of working with him. The values he embodied will continue to inspire the work we do every day.

Our hearts go out to Fred’s beloved wife, children, and grandchildren during this difficult time. While his passing leaves an immense void, we hope they find comfort in knowing how deeply he was respected, appreciated, and cared for by the many friends, colleagues, and community members whose lives were enriched by knowing him. Fred had looked forward to many more years enjoying retirement and watching his family grow, and his loss will be felt by all who knew him.

https://www.nwfainc.com/obituaries/Fredrick-Allan-Fingler?obId=48938943

This year brought more driver shortage challenges than we’ve seen in a while, and it didn’t go the way any of us had planned. But through it all, one thing never changed - the dedicated people behind the wheel and behind the scenes.

A heartfelt thank you to the incredible school bus drivers, dispatchers, mechanics and managers. Your patience, commitment, and resilience made a difference every single day. You showed up, adapted, and did your absolute best for students and families — even when it wasn’t easy.

We are truly grateful. 💛
- Student Transportation Services of Thunder Bay