Changes in Communication Regarding Cancelled and Reinstated Routes
- Published: Friday, 02 October 2020 16:11
Last Updated on: 2nd October 2020, 04:32 pm
OSTA understands accurate and timely transportation information is essential for parents and students as they prepare for their school day. As the COVID situation evolves, we are experiencing new service disruptions related to contact tracing in schools, and this affects bus drivers. We have also been able to reinstate service in some areas using alternate modes of transportation.
As drivers are asked by Ottawa Public Health to self-isolate due to potential risk of virus transmission, short-term cancellations may occur day to day. Depending on circumstances, some routes may return to normal within a day or two, while others may be cancelled for a longer period of time.
Service cancellations can happen anytime including early morning or mid-day. Consequently, it is imperative that parents remain vigilant and check OSTA’s website on a daily basis and sign up for notifications through the Parent Portal to ensure they are receiving the latest delay and cancellation information.
Cancellations are posted in one of two categories: Short-Term and Long-Term cancellations.
Short-term cancellations and delays
Day to day short-term cancellations are posted to our delay and notification page and subscribers are notified via email as they happen. Schools are notified and they inform parents and guardians of the affected route when possible.
Long term cancellations
Any cancellations lasting longer than a few days are posted to the long-term OCDSB and OCSB cancellation lists and posted to social media as we receive notice from the carriers. Schools are notified and inform parents and guardians of the affected route.
At times, short-term cancellations are moved to long term cancellations based on changing circumstances. It is best to check both lists to ensure parents/guardians have the most up-to-date information.
Looking forward
Next week, multiple routes will be reinstated using a number of different strategies.
- Securing drivers for a number of yellow bus routes
- Transferring some students to van service
- Transferring some students to OC Transpo
- New coach shuttle for some students to West Carleton HS in the morning
- Contracting a new bus company
Students on long-term cancelled routes where service is being reinstated will be sent a notice through their school and the route will be removed from the long-term cancellation list. Students that have been transferred to van service will receive a call from the van company once routes are finalized.
We thank you for your continued patience during these challenging times.