OSTA short 24 bus drivers heading into new school year

Some school bus routes will be cancelled this September with the start of school less than a week away.

The Ottawa Student Transportation Authority (OSTA) said it has been in constant communication with its operators over the past few weeks, and currently, there is a shortage of about 24 bus drivers, with approximately 19 drivers in training and awaiting their licenses from the Ministry of Transportation (MTO).

The authority said the shortage impacts less than 2 per cent of its transportation services, approximately 88 transportation runs, which is an increase in the number of vacancies reported last week.

Some operators servicing Nepean, Gloucester, and Kars have reported increased driver shortages, including seven drivers who are awaiting licensing clearance from the MTO. There is a 12 driver shorter, which remains unchanged from last week’s update, for west end routes.

The bus authority has contacted ministry partners to expedite the process and hopes the routes will return to service early next week.

“I understand how frustrating this news will be for some of you,” it wrote in a press release issued on Wednesday, Aug. 28. “OSTA acknowledges the hardship caused by cancellations, especially for families on rural routes that face significant costs and time commitments in transporting their children to school. “OSTA is committed to ensuring students have safe, reliable, and efficient transportation to and from school. That is why we continue to invest in our Drive Yellow recruitment campaign to address the driver shortage by recruiting more drivers for the operators.”

The list of cancelled routes is posted here, and another update is expected next week.

Services may change daily, so OSTA is asking people to continue to monitor the website for information.

“Driver shortages fluctuate throughout the year, especially after the holidays when many drivers do not return. Many factors contribute to the increase, including last-minute resignations, downgraded licenses, serious medical situations, and drivers who require more training,” the release said.

When the authority cancels routes it said it takes into consideration which routes, noting it looks at accessibility to schools, walking routes and public transportation.