Anticipated Transportation Service Interruptions

January 24th, 2022

We want to share an important update. Bus operators are now experiencing an increase in driver absences due to COVID-19 isolation.

 

Although more than 90% of our routes are operating normally, some routes are experiencing more frequent and prolonged delays (50 minutes or greater). As a result, Student Transportation Services of Waterloo Region (STSWR) will need to cancel some routes for a short period of time when driver absences cannot be covered. 

 

This temporary measure will be effective Tuesday, January 25, 2022, until Friday, February 18, 2022. 

 

STSWR will continue to evaluate this approach to reducing delays and adjust the approach in order to continue to reduce the impact on students, families, and caregivers.

 

We understand the significant impact this decision will have on our students and their families and caregivers. STSWR does this only as a last resort. We hope that proactively implementing and communicating this course of action will allow families and caregivers to better prepare for and react to the cancellation of bus routes.

 

What Happens If A School Bus Route is Cancelled?

Effective January 24, 2022, a school bus route will be cancelled if a driver is isolating due to COVID-19 and there are insufficient drivers to cover the isolating driver’s routes.

The duration of the cancellation period will be communicated immediately to affected students and families. 

 

For Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) Students and Families

For students and families in the WRDSB, if a school bus route is cancelled due to a COVID-19 related driver absence, there are three options for families: 

  • Students may participate asynchronously remotely by accessing their class Virtual Learning Environment (D2L or Google Classroom)
  • Students may access asynchronous lessons on TVO and STVLElementary; or
  • Families may find alternative transportation for their students for the 5 to 10 day bus transportation cancellation period.

 

For Waterloo Catholic District School Board (WCDSB) Students and Families

  • Where possible, families should find alternative transportation for their students for the 5 to 10 day bus transportation cancellation period.
  • If that is not possible:
    • Students may participate asynchronously remotely by accessing their class Virtual Learning Environment (D2L or Google Classroom) or
    • Students may access asynchronous lessons on TVO and STVLElementary;

 

Stay Informed

Families will be informed the day prior to any cancellation and cancellation will be posted on the STSWR website with an expected return date.

 

If you have not already done so, please register for notifications on the STSWR parent portal or check the Bus Delays page on the STSWR website for the most up-to-date and accurate school vehicle and route information. Please check the Bus Delays page daily as it will be updated each afternoon by 4:30 PM. 

 

With the current COVID-19 isolation protocols in effect, routes may be cancelled for 5 to 10 days. 

 

As a result of driver absences, drivers will be covering late routes in addition to their normal routes. We would ask for your support in extending thanks and grace to our bus drivers. These are unprecedented times, and everyone is doing their best to ensure students are able to attend in-person learning.

 

Please continue to follow screening, distancing, masking and hand hygiene protocols to help keep everyone safe.

 

Questions?

If you have any questions, please contact Student Transportation Services of Waterloo Region (STSWR).

Categories: News