More than 300 GTA school bus delays reported on 1st day back

By News Staff

There were more than 300 school bus delays in the GTA Tuesday, including about 140 routes in Toronto, on the first day back to school on Tuesday.

The delays, which lasted anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes, were slightly better than last year, when a driver shortage created chaos across the region.

“The Number 1 reason was traffic delays … obviously a lot of people out on the roads and slowing down those bus routes,” said Kevin Hodgkinson, general manager of Toronto Student Transportation Group (TSTG).

Other reasons included drivers arriving late or not showing up for their shift. A handful of delays were due to buses breaking down.

“Mind you, over the summer those buses aren’t running and they’re parked,” Hodgkinson said. “But there is supposed to be a routine in place where they’re checking those buses and there are dry runs to ensure the drivers are comfortable with their routes. So we’ll be investigating with the companies to find out why there were breakdowns.”

Last week, the Toronto District School Board (TDSB), the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB), and the TSTG put out a joint statement saying no significant delays were expected in Toronto.

Any student, or parent of a student, who takes the bus to a TDSB or TCDSB school can see delay notices online, or call the transportation office at 416-394-4BUS (416-394-4287). Anyone with complaints can email complaint@torontoschoolbus.org.

In Halton, 30 routes remain unassigned, mainly in Oakville. Students in Milton and Burlington could also be affected. There are delays of 10 to 30 minutes in that area.

There are two dozen delays in Peel Region, mostly in Mississauga. In York Region, there are delays of 15 to 30 minutes, affecting about 40 routes.

To find out what’s happening with your bus route, or your child’s, check out the links below.

Toronto: torontoschoolbus.org/school-bus-delays 

York: net.schoolbuscity.com 

Halton: haltonbus.ca

Peel: stopr.ca

Durham: dsts.on.ca 


Related stories:

Students in Oakville, Burlington could face shortage of school bus drivers

Canadian schools reluctant to embrace later bell times despite mounting research

Ontario Ombudsman says school boards were ‘complacent’ about bussing issues


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