Return to School – Transportation Update
The Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board and Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board have undertaken multiple steps in recent days to address the ongoing bus driver shortage which has been further compounded this year by COVID-19. An anticipated shortage of close to 80 school bus drivers last week has been reduced to 59 in the morning and 67 in the afternoon through increased driver incentives.
Further measures include a complete reorganization of school bus routes and runs following the removal by Hamilton-Wentworth Student Transportation Services (HWSTS) of the 2,500 students who have declined transportation and the close to 4,000 eligible student riders who have opted to learn at home. The reorganization was undertaken, and continues to be in progress, to remove stops that no longer have students, consolidate runs and ultimately reduce the number of bus routes. Once completed, bus pick up and drop off times will be updated on the HWSTS website by 6:00pm on September 13, 2020.
“We appreciate the patience and understanding of parents throughout this process and as well would like to thank HWSTS and Board staff who have worked so very hard to prepare for the school reopening during these unprecedented times,” said Patrick Daly, Chairperson of the HWCDSB.
“As we increased the number of drivers from last week and reduced the number of bus stops as families opted out of transportation or students learning remotely, we are still in a position where students may experience significant delays,” said Alex Johnstone, HWDSB Chair. “We will continue to work hard to find solutions to support families and get students to school on time.”
Transportation information will be shared with parents/guardians on Sunday, September 13. Parents are asked to check their email this weekend for a communication from HWSTS. Parents will need their child(ren)’s OEN number, located on their child’s report card, in order to access the portal.
Transportation services will be provided to approximately 9,500 students from the HWCDSB and 14,500 students from the HWDSB.
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Media Contacts:
HWCDSB
Marnie Jadon
Media & Communications Manager
905-525-2930, Ext. 2263
[email protected]
HWDSB
Shawn McKillop, APR
Manager of Communications and Community Engagement
905-515-6227
[email protected]
Updated on Friday, September 24, 2021.