Stops All bus stops have been determined on the basis of safety of the stop for students boarding/disembarking as well as for those already on the bus. The responsibility of getting the student to/from the stop safely is that of the parent. Extensions Route extensions may be considered if the following conditions are met: the […]
Category: FAQ’s
Who determines school bus service eligibility?
It is the policy of the Northwestern Ontario Students Services Consortium, comprised of the Kenora Catholic District School Board, Northwest Catholic District School Board, Conseil Scolaire de District Catholique des Aurores boreales and the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board to provide harmonized student transportation services which are safe, efficient and effective. The Consortium determines eligibility. […]
My husband/wife and I are separated and share custody and we need different transportation at different times or I work part-time/shift work and have different requirements. Can I have two different sets of arrangements?
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If I have a question, where can I get the answer?
You can contact the Consortium at 223-1256 Option 1, toll free 1-866-860-7770 Option 1 or email bussing@nwobus.ca. We will be happy to answer any questions or concerns. […]
What items are not permitted on the bus?
Alcohol Ammunition Animals (unless pre-approved service animals) Explosives Firearms Fireworks Football equipment/bags Hockey equipment/bags (skates may be permitted if they have guards and are encased in a leather/canvas case and the skates must be tied together.) Large musical instruments (tuba, drum, trombone etc.) Oversized sports equipment Skateboards Skis/Ski poles Sliding equipment Water guns Weapons ** […]
My child is in the school band. Can he/she take the musical instrument on the bus?
All musical instruments must be transported in instrument cases and must remain in the case while on the bus. If the instrument is too large to fit under the seat than the instrument can not be taken on the bus. […]
My child is on the Hockey/Football Team. Can he/she take equipment on the bus?
We do not permit hockey/football bags on the bus. It is a safety issue for all students; if there was an emergency it could hinder the students from exiting the bus and the law requires us to keep the exits free and clear. As well, in the event that the bus must stop suddenly, these […]
What is the Visible Parent Program?
In the interest of safety, we have a Visible Parent Program for Junior/Senior Kindergarten bus students. JK/SK students riding the school bus are to be accompanied by an adult or a student 11 years of age and in grade 6 or older to their stop in the morning and met at their stop after school. This ensures […]
Can I request that the bus driver change my stop time, bus stop or part of the route?
Drivers do not have the authority to make any changes to the route including times, configuration or stops. Drivers are employees of the bus operators and not the Consortium. Bus Operators are under contract with the Consortium and as such both the bus operator and driver must comply with the Consortium’s policy and terms of […]
Can I place my child on a different bus because he/she is not getting along with another student. I know another bus is in the area and there is room.
The Consortium does not make changes to busing on this basis. If a problem arises the Consortium and/or the Principal of the school will attempt to assist you with this. […]
If my child is having trouble with other students on the bus, who should I contact?
The school bus is considered an extension of the classroom where students are responsible and accountable for their actions. Any concerns should be discussed with your child’s school principal. […]
Does the Consortium have a maximum riding time policy?
It is the Consortium’s practice where possible, that the length of time for a student to ride on a bus will not normally exceed sixty (60) minutes one way. In some cases due to geography, routes may exceed 60 minutes. […]
Should my child be hurt or injured and cannot easily get to school will the Consortium provide transportation?
Students will not be provided with special transportation due to a temporary physical challenge for example a broken leg. If a condition is prolonged, the condition must be supported in writing by a licensed medical doctor, the school must be aware of the condition and physical activity has also been limited at school. These will […]
Will the Consortium provide transportation to the Co-operative Education work placement and Community Involvement Hours?
Transportation may be provided to a co-operative education and high school students attaining Community Involvement hours providing the distance criteria are met, there is room on the bus and there is no change to the bus route. […]
My child goes to a sitter for 2 days and to my home the other three days a week. Can this be accommodated?
The Consortium has a policy in place for reasons of safety and efficiency therefore students are only permitted to have one pick-up and one drop-off point. These points may be different providing it is a daily occurrence and there is room on the bus. […]
What if my child is attending a special academic program such as Fine Arts, Academic Excellence or the Ojibway Program. Is there bussing provided?
The Consortium may provide busing if the student is enrolled and attending a special academic program but there must be room on the bus and no additional costs incurred. Students may be bumped at any time to make room for other eligible students. […]
Why can’t my child eat on the bus?
Children can not eat on the bus because of the potential for severe allergic reactions of other students and the danger of choking. […]
What is an “attendance boundary”?
Each School Board sets an attendance boundary for the school. Children who reside within the attendance boundary are entitled to attend that school. Parents may apply to the principal for approval to attend a school outside their attendance boundary but transportation will not be provided. Please contact us for more information on attendance boundaries. […]
If I need a temporary arrangement as I have been called out of town, will the Consortium provide transportation?
A temporary change is defined as a change which is a one-time request or on an infrequent or non-recurring change throughout the school year. The procedure is meant to accommodate unusual circumstances. 1.1 The transportation system is designed for eligible students. Students who are not normally eligible for transportation will not be accommodated unless the […]
What happens if a storm comes up during the day?
The decision to dismiss the buses early is not one that is made lightly. The ramifications of such a decision can be chaotic if not coordinated safely. It is important that we do not send children home to an empty house. The school system requires a minimum of two hours to implement an early dismissal. […]
