Student Transportation
and Active School Travel
Whether students travel by school bus, public transit, walking, cycling or another active method, their safety is our shared priority.
Student Transportation Services of York Region (STSYR) is the transportation consortium for the York Catholic District School Board and the York Region District School Board. STSYR coordinates safe and reliable transportation for more than 55,000 students attending over 300 schools across York Region.
School Bus Transportation
Student Transportation Services of York Region provides information about:
- Transportation eligibility
- Bus routes and stop locations
- Pick-up and drop-off times
- Late or cancelled buses
- School bus safety
- Transportation policies and responsibilities
Families should regularly confirm their child’s transportation information, particularly before the beginning of a new school year. We recommend double-checking your bus schedule the weekend before the first day of school.
Is My Child Eligible for School Bus Transportation?
Eligibility is generally based on the distance between a student’s residence and their designated home school.
| Grade | Transportation Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Junior Kindergarten to Grade 3 | Residence is more than 1.2 kilometres from the home school |
| Grades 4 to 8 | Residence is more than 1.6 kilometres from the home school |
| Grades 9 to 12 | Residence is more than 4.8 kilometres from the home secondary school |
| Grades 9 to 12 without access to public transit | Residence is more than 3.2 kilometres from the home secondary school |
Eligibility may change when a student enters Grade 4 or Grade 9. Families should use the Find Your Bus Stop tool to confirm eligibility and transportation arrangements.
Students attending a school or program outside their designated home-school attendance area may not be eligible for Board-provided transportation. Different provisions may apply to French Immersion, specialized programs, students with medical or accessibility-related needs, and other approved circumstances.
For complete eligibility requirements, please review YCDSB Policy 203: Student Transportation Services.
Late or Cancelled Buses
Families are encouraged to check the STSYR Late Bus Report before leaving for the bus stop in the morning and afternoon. Delays and cancellations are posted as information becomes available.
When transportation is cancelled because of inclement weather, updates are normally shared beginning at 6 a.m. through:
- The YCDSB website
- School websites
- Official YCDSB social media accounts
- The STSYR website
- Local radio and television stations
If transportation is cancelled in the morning, it will not operate in the afternoon. Schools generally remain open unless otherwise announced. Families transporting their children to school must also arrange transportation home.
Please review the YCDSB Inclement Weather Guidelines for complete information.
School Bus Safety
Safety is everyone’s responsibility. Parents and guardians are encouraged to review bus safety with their children before the first day of school and regularly throughout the year.
Students should:
- Wait in a safe place, away from the edge of the road.
- Listen carefully to the bus driver.
- Board and exit the bus in an orderly manner.
- Remain seated while the bus is moving.
- Keep the aisle clear.
- Avoid distracting the driver.
- Keep their head, hands and belongings inside the bus.
- Cross in front of the bus, never behind it.
- Wait for the driver’s signal and make sure it is safe before crossing the street.
STSYR offers age-appropriate videos and information for first-time, primary and junior riders. Visit the STSYR Safety Programs webpage to review these resources with your child.
Questions or Concerns
For questions about routes, stops, schedules, eligibility, late arrivals, cancellations or general transportation information, contact Student Transportation Services of York Region:
Phone: 1-877-330-3001 or 905-713-2535
Website: www.schoolbuscity.com
Concerns about a route, stop location, consistently late transportation or driver conduct should be directed to the principal of your child’s school. The school will work with STSYR and the transportation provider to review the concern. Bus drivers are not authorized to change routes or stop locations.
York Region Transit
Secondary students who are not eligible for Board-provided transportation may be able to travel using York Region Transit.
Visit the
YRT Trip Planner or call 1-866-668-3978 for route and schedule information.
Active School Travel
Active School Travel is any form of human-powered travel used to get to and from school or the school bus stop. This includes:
- Walking or running
- Cycling
- Using a scooter or skateboard
- Rollerblading
- Travelling with a wheelchair or another mobility device
Active School Travel can support physical and mental well-being, help students arrive ready to learn, encourage independence, reduce traffic congestion around schools and benefit the environment.
The York Catholic District School Board encourages students and families to choose active travel whenever it is safe and practical. Families who live farther from school may also consider parking a block away and walking the remaining distance.
Schools and families are encouraged to follow local traffic rules, use designated crossings and crossing guards, wear appropriate safety equipment and follow each school’s arrival and dismissal procedures.
Learn more by reviewing the YCDSB Active School Travel Strategy.
For an accessible format or communication support related to Active School Travel resources, please email
activeschooltravel@ycdsb.ca.