STEO, school bus companies reach tentative agreement

The Student Transportation of Eastern Ontario (STEO) and area school bus companies have reached a tentative agreement ahead of a new school season.

STEO, which provides transportation for approximately 30,000 students in the Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario (CDSBEO) and the Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB), previously warned that disruptions were possible with no agreement reached between the two sides.

“We are delighted to have reached an agreement with the school bus companies and to continue the positive relationships we have built over many years, for the foreseeable future,” said Janet Murray, general manager and chief administrative officer (CAO) of the STEO. “Throughout this process I know the school bus companies, our team, and the school boards have done everything possible to prioritize the needs of students and their families, and I am thrilled to be able to share this news with the families we serve.”

This tentative four-year agreement will provide both STEO and the school bus companies with better long-term certainty, and more importantly, offer students and their families the comfort of knowing that transportation services have been secured for the next four years,” the STEO said.

Frank Healey, president of Healey Transportation and spokesperson for the Eastern Ontario Bus Operators Association, said drivers will be happy to get back to work next week.

“This has been a long process, but I know our drivers will be happy they will be out on the first day of school, greeting familiar faces and playing such an important role for kids across our communities,” he added. “I want to thank STEO for continuing to work with us to reach an agreement, and I look forward to another four years of working together for students and their families.”