The Ottawa Student Transportation Authority (OSTA) says it is expecting a “smooth start” to the new school year, with no long-term bus route cancellations anticipated this fall. The transportation authority oversees school bus service for students in the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board and Ottawa Catholic School Board. When CTV News Ottawa asked OSTA this week if they had enough bus drivers for all students ahead of the first day of classes on Sept. 1, OSTA directed us to a statement sent to parents on Wednesday. “As we prepare for the upcoming school year, OSTA is pleased to share that we expect a smooth start to the school year, and we do not anticipate any long-term bus route cancellations for start up,” the letter said. “Our transportation operators have worked diligently to recruit and train new drivers, and we sincerely appreciate their dedication in reaching this significant milestone.” The letter does say OSTA’s “ongoing priority” remains reducing short-term cancellations for school buses. “While we are positioned for a smooth opening, our ongoing priority remains the reduction of short-term cancellations, which continue to be a challenge both locally and across the province,” OSTA said. “In close partnership with our operators, we are implementing proactive measures to ensure consistent, dependable service our families can rely on every day.” The OSTA Parent Portal opened this week, allowing parents and students to check on school bus times and routes ahead of the first day of class. “Empty Seats” program remains parked The transportation authority says the “Empty Seat/Courtesy Seating” program will remain suspended for the start of the school year. “We plan to re-evaluate this decision later in the fall once we have a clearer understanding of our operational capacity,” OSTA said in a letter to parents. “The transition back to school involves many adjustments, and our goal is to ensure that transportation is one less concern for you. If you require assistance or have specific questions, our team is here to help.” The OSTA Empty Seat program would allow students, normally ineligible for school bus transportation because they live within the designated walking zones, to ride buses with empty seats. OSTA’s Empty Seat program was suspended for the 2025-26 school year.
