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FAQ

  1. My child has been denied transportation, but the bus is half empty. Why can't they ride?
    Often referred to as "filling up the bus", this is a question we regularly receive from parents and community members. While your child's bus may not appear to be full, here are some important things to keep in mind:
    • Not every student who is eligible for transportation rides the bus everyday, but STSWR is still required to plan for their transportation because they are eligible under the board's transportation policy.
    • the number of students that can be loaded on a bus is based on capacity standards set by the industry.
    • STSWR plans based on 3 students per seat up to Grade 6, and 2 students per seat from Grade 7 - 12.
    • Providing ineligible students with "courtesy" transportation is not allowed under either board's transportation policy. this is because courtesy transportation has been identified by the Ministry of Education as an ineffiecient practice that adds to route times and increases the number of buses we have on the road.
  2. Can my child be picked-up or dropped off at a childcare?
    Yes. As long as the childcare is located at an address that is eligible for transportation from your childs school, and the arrangements are consistent - always pick-up from the designated address and/or dropped off at a designated address. To request an alternate pick-up or drop-off, please contact your school and provide the alternate childcare address. Once approved, you will receive updated transportation information.
  3. My child has been hurt and cannot walk to school - temporarily. What can I do?
    Please complete a special request form and submit it to your child's Principal. Once the request has been approved by the Principal and the designated Superintendent, STSWR will contact you with transportation information.
  4. My child has been denied transportation, how do I appeal that decision?
    STSWR, in cooperation with partner school boards, has developed a three stage appeal process to deal with issues and concerns. The appeal process is initiated through contact with the area technician and Operations Supervisor - they may need to contact you for additional information and clarification. Following that, a written appeal to the General Manager is made using a standard web based form. Once reviewed, you will be notified in writing of the decision. If still unsatisfied, you can appeal tothe Consortia Management Committee which includes representation from both school boards. You will be given the opportunity to meet with the committee in person, if you choose, to discuss the circumstances of your appeal. The decision of the Consortia Management Committee is final. Please refer to this link for information on the appeal process.
  5. How do you determine the distance to my child's school for transportation eligibility?
    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, and include designated pathways and access points.
  6. I have heard something about a walking school bus - what is it?
    A walking school bus is an organized program that involves students walking or cycling to and from school together along a designated route under the supervision of an adult volunteer or mature student. The Active and Safe Routes to School Workgroup of Waterloo Region supports this program and trains walking school bus leaders. To find out more visit: http://www.together4health.ca/workgroups/active-and-safe-routes
  7. How does STSWR determine if there is a safe walking route to school?
    STSWR works with the Region of Waterloo, local Municipalities and Townships to ensure that walking routes and paths meet specific safety criteria before being recommended by STSWR. The criteria used includes, but is not limited to, the pathway being cleared of snow and other debris during winter and crossing guards being present where necessary.
  8. My child is in French Immersion at a scholl outside our area. Are they eligible for a ride?
    No. The Waterloo Region District School Board has determined that students attending French Immersion from outside the school's regular attendance boundary are not eligible for transportation. Please refer to the board's transportation procedure for more information.
  9. My child is eligible for bussing, do I need to notify anyone that my child will not be riding?
    To ensure that your child is not mistakenly placed on a bus, please complete the Transportation Do Not Ride form and return it to your child's school as soon as possible.Please note, if your child will occasionally be riding the bus, do not complete this form - it is only for students who will never be riding the bus.
  10. What school do I attend and am I eligible for bussing?
    Determining which school your child should attend, and whether they are eligible for transprtation, can be done quickly via the qeoquery website.
  11. What is STSWR and what is the relationship to each School Board?
    Student Transportation Services of Waterloo Region (STSWR) is a separate legal entity established by the Waterloo DRegion District School Board and the Waterloo Catholic District School Board to plan and oversee the delivery of student transportation in the Region. While the responsibility for establishing transportation policies remains withe the individual school boards, STSWR is charged with applying the policies and procedures set by the boards in a consistent manner across the system. Staff are employed directly by STSWR, and management reports to a board of directors made up of senior administration from the two school boards.
  12. I am moving who do I contact?
    Contact the school your child will be attending, or if it remains unchanged provide the existing school with your child's new address information. Student Transportation Services of Waterloo Region arranges transportation based on the information provided by the school.
  13. Can I make special arrangements or changes in my child's transportation directly with the bus driver?
    No. Without a written notice from Student Transportation Services of Waterloo region, no bus driver is authorized to make changes to your child's bus stop or bus schedule. To request a change, please cal 519-650-4934 and you will be directed to the technician for your child's school.
  14. My child has forgotten an item on the bus. What can I do?
    Contact the bus company for lost items. When contacting the company you will need to know your childs school and route number.
  15. How can I get information about the next school year 2011 -2012 ?
    April 1 the web site will provide a drop down that will allow you to select information about the next school year or the current year. Information about new schools,boundary changes,policy changes etcetera that take effect in September 2011 will be incorporated in the information available when you select 2011 - 2012.
  16. Having difficulties finding your JK or SK school?
    Use grade 1 instead of kindergarten will get you the school you should attend
  17. I have concerns about a bus operator/taxi cab driver. Who can I contact?
    The safety of students is the number one priority for STSWR and the partner school boards. If you have concerns regarding a specific bus or taxi cab driver, please contact STSWR at 519-650-4934. If you suspect a driver is impaired while operating a vehicle, please call 911 immediately
  18. The weather doesn't look too good outside, how will I know if the buses ar cancelled?
    STSWR will advise, via the media and the STSWR website, of any bus cancellations due to weather. In most cases these notifications will be sent out before 7am on the day of the cancellation. Should the weather deteriorate during the day causing an early dismissal, parents/guardian will be contacted by the school prior to the students being sent home.
  19. How will my child know which bus to get on at school?
    All vehicles have signs displayed indicating the route number. To find your child's route number:
    • Visit www.stswr.ca
    • Click on "Student Login"
    • Enter your child's Ontario Education Number (OEN) - numbers only, no space, no dash Please note that OENs are printed on report cards
    • Enter your child's birth date (dd/mm/yyyy)
    • Enter your street number (house number only)
    • Select your child's school
    • Each kindergarten student is issued a kindergarten tag at the school. Tags are fastened on backpacks with the PM stop location and route number facing outward. This allows staff to assist students in boarding the correct bus.
    Although it varies from school to school, bus lists are sometimes printed to support the teacher on duty in directing students toward the appropriate bus.