Find everything you need to know about school transportation in one place. From policies to route information, these resources are designed to make supporting students and families simple and clear.
Professional Portal FAQStay up to date on key transportation details to help manage routes, keep families informed, and ensure students travel safely throughout the year.
The school staff guide includes information to help you set up students for busing or make changes in Aspen, and what to communicate to riders and their families.
We’ve put together a list of best practices to support the safe transportation and return of kindergarten students to their parents or caregivers.
The Professional Portal gives you quick access to transportation details for all your students. Log in to view routes, track changes, and find the information you need to support families throughout the year.
GRT Pass Process (Updated Sept 2024) The process for GRT passes provided…
This blank seating chart helps teachers and schools plan student seating on…
This guide explains how to access and use BusPlanner Web, STSWR’s online…
This tool is designed to help parents and caregivers understand if their…
Communication of Transportation for September A direct email or mail out will…
Procedural How will STSWR know that a student needs to be set…
School Bus – What you need to know! Video – For All…
The following are examples of Best Practices that can be put in…
Policies and procedures are here to guide you through every part of student transportation. Use them to answer questions, solve problems, and keep travel safe and consistent for your school community.
Student Transportation Services of Waterloo Region (STSWR) uses a Geographical Information System (GIS) to calculate the distance for transportation eligibility. Distances are measured from the end of your property to the closest access point to the school–not door to door. The maps used are provided by the Region of Waterloo, not Google Maps, and include designated pathways and access points. Find your student’s transportation eligibility.
Please reach out to the School Travel Planner who arranges busing for your school. You can find a complete list here.
Student Transportation Services of Waterloo Region (STSWR) only coordinates transportation for eligible students attending WCDSB and WRDSB schools.
We do not arrange charter bus services.
If you’re looking to rent a bus for a private event, field trip, or other charter purposes, please contact a local bus operator directly for quotes and arrangements.
To view the list of companies STSWR contracts with, visit: www.stswr.ca/operators
Please review the Transportation Appeal Process.
The distance policy varies depending on school board and grade. Each school board has their own distance policy. In the case of two siblings in different grades having different eligibilities, it is up to the parent to decide how they get their students to school. No exceptions will be given to older siblings to ride with their younger sibling.
Student Transportation Services of Waterloo Region (STSWR) is a separate legal entity established by the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) and the Waterloo Catholic District School Board (WCDSB) to plan and oversee the delivery of student transportation in the Region. While the responsibility for establishing transportation policies remains with the individual school boards, STSWR is charged with applying the policies and procedures set by the boards in a consistent manner across the system. The STSWR staff members are employed directly by STSWR, and management reports to a board of directors made up of senior administration from the two school boards.
Drive to 5 maps can be found here.
