Who we are
Student Transportation Services of Waterloo Region (STSWR) provides student transportation planning, coordination, and related services on behalf of the Waterloo Region District School Board and the Waterloo Catholic District School Board.
Our website address is: www.stswr.ca
STSWR is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of personal information collected through our website and services. We handle personal information in accordance with applicable Ontario legislation, including the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA), applicable school board privacy policies, and other legal and administrative requirements.
What is Personal Information?
Under Ontario privacy legislation, personal information means recorded information about an identifiable individual.
This may include information such as:
- Name
- Contact information
- Student or parent/guardian information
- School information
- Transportation eligibility and service information
- Address or transportation-related details
- Information submitted through forms, inquiries, or correspondence
STSWR collects only the personal information necessary to provide student transportation services, administer programs, respond to inquiries, and fulfill legal and administrative responsibilities.
Information We Collect
Information You Provide
You may voluntarily provide personal information when you:
- Submit a contact form
- Request transportation assistance or information
- Communicate with STSWR by email, telephone, or other methods
- Provide feedback or submit inquiries
This information may include:
Any other information you choose to provide
- Your name
- Email address
- Telephone number
- School information
- Transportation-related details
Information Collected Automatically
When you visit our website, we may automatically collect limited technical information, including:
- Internet Protocol (IP) address
- Browser type and version
- Device type
- Operating system
- Date and time of website access
- Pages visited
- Website usage information
This information is collected to help maintain website security, monitor performance, improve accessibility and usability, and understand general website traffic patterns.
Where possible, technical information is collected in an aggregated or anonymized manner.
How We Use Personal Information
STSWR uses personal information only for purposes related to its lawful operations, including:
- Providing student transportation services
- Responding to inquiries and requests
- Communicating transportation-related information
- Administering transportation programs
- Verifying eligibility for transportation services
- Maintaining accurate records
- Improving website services and user experience
- Protecting website security
- Meeting legal, regulatory, and administrative obligations
Personal information is collected, used, and disclosed only for purposes authorized under applicable legislation.
Legal Authority for Collection
Personal information collected by STSWR is collected under the authority of Ontario legislation, including the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA), and for purposes related to the delivery and administration of student transportation services provided in partnership with the Waterloo Region District School Board and the Waterloo Catholic District School Board.
Where required by law, individuals will be informed of the purpose for which their personal information is collected.
Cookies and Website Technologies
STSWR may use cookies and similar website technologies to support website functionality and security.
Cookies may be used to:
- Maintain website functionality
- Remember user preferences
- Support secure website sessions
- Collect website usage statistics
- Improve website performance
You may adjust your browser settings to refuse or delete cookies. Please note that disabling cookies may affect some website functionality.
Third-Party Services
STSWR may use third-party service providers to support website operations and provide certain online services. These services may include:
- Website hosting
- Website analytics
- Mapping services
- Embedded content
- Security and technical services
Third-party providers may process limited information necessary to provide their services. STSWR requires service providers acting on its behalf to safeguard personal information and use it only for authorized purposes.
External websites linked from the STSWR website operate under their own privacy policies. STSWR is not responsible for the privacy practices, content, or security of external websites.
Disclosure of Personal Information
STSWR does not sell, rent, trade, or use personal information for commercial purposes.
Personal information may be disclosed:
- To the Waterloo Region District School Board and Waterloo Catholic District School Board where necessary to provide student transportation services
- To authorized service providers performing services on behalf of STSWR
- Where disclosure is required or permitted by law
- For purposes consistent with the purpose for which the information was collected
STSWR limits disclosure of personal information to the minimum amount necessary for the authorized purpose.
Protection of Personal Information
STSWR maintains reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect personal information against:
- Unauthorized access
- Loss or theft
- Unauthorized use
- Disclosure
- Modification or destruction
Security measures may include access controls, employee privacy training, secure systems, and operational procedures.
While STSWR takes reasonable steps to protect information, no electronic system or method of transmission can be guaranteed to be completely secure.
Retention of Personal Information
STSWR retains personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected or as required by applicable legislation, records retention schedules, and administrative requirements.
When personal information is no longer required, it is securely disposed of in accordance with approved records management practices.
Privacy Concerns and Questions
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, the collection or use of personal information, or wish to make a privacy-related inquiry, please contact STSWR.
Student Transportation Services of Waterloo Region
Website: www.stswr.ca
Email: contact@stswr.ca
For questions regarding access to records or privacy matters, individuals may also contact the appropriate Freedom of Information Coordinator at the applicable school board.