OSTA: Take the wheel and Drive Yellow!

The Ottawa Student Transportation Authority (OSTA) and its Operators have been working diligently over the spring and summer to ensure as many students as possible have access to transportation services as of September 6, 2022.

Our combined recruitment efforts have resulted in many new drivers being hired and service expected to be provided to 96.35% of students on the first day of school; however, operators still need additional drivers to cover all routes.

OSTA delivers safe and efficient transportation services to over 124,000 students using yellow buses, wheelchair buses, school purpose vans and School Active Transportation programs and our Operators need more drivers to help ensure students have access to education.

The Ottawa Student Transportation Authority (OSTA) and a core group of operators have joined forces and formed a Driver Recruitment Task Force to work on solutions to address the school bus driver shortage and prepare for the upcoming school year.

This past spring, OSTA and its Operators launched a multipronged driver recruitment campaign to attract people interested in work-life balance, who love kids and want to contribute to their community in a meaningful way to apply as a School Bus Driver.

Driving a school bus is a rewarding career.

Drivers enjoy a great work-life balance, have weekends and summers off, the satisfaction of working with kids and contributing to their community in a meaningful way. They also enjoy building relationships in the school community, benefit from workplace teamwork and have an independent work environment that's anything but routine. OSTA’s School Bus Operators offer full training and flexible opportunities.

The process of becoming a school bus or van driver requires about four weeks of time for lessons, training, and testing before you take the wheel. It’s well worth the time and effort to qualify to drive yellow! Hiring is ongoing and will continue throughout the school year to ensure there is a minimal service disruption.

If driving a yellow school bus is a good fit for you, don’t miss the bus! Take the Wheel and Drive Yellow!

For more information on becoming a School Bus Driver and to apply, please visit DriveYellow.ca