Student Transportation of Eastern Ontario is introducing major transportation eligibility and service changes for the 2026-27 school year affecting students across the region, including those in the Upper Canada District School Board and Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario.
The changes follow new Ontario Ministry of Education guidelines aimed at creating a more standardized and financially sustainable transportation system across the province.
Beginning next September, secondary students in Grades 9 to 12 will only qualify for board-provided transportation if they live more than 3.2 kilometres from school. The maximum walking distance to bus stops will also increase to 0.8 kilometres for Kindergarten to Grade 8 students and 1.6 kilometres for high school students.
In addition, maximum bus ride times will rise to 75 minutes for elementary students and 90 minutes for secondary students.
STEO says new safety resources, online support tools, and walking route assessments will be introduced to help families prepare for the transition before the next school year.
(By: Tim Baltz)
