To ensure efficient and effective school transportation services for the upcoming school year,
Ottawa Student Transportation (OSTA) has implemented an annual opt-out process.
What does this mean?
Each spring, parents/caregivers who do not intend to utilize OSTA's transportation services for the
following school year will be asked to formally opt-out. This proactive approach allows OSTA to
optimize transportation routing and loading, enhancing the planning and delivery of services.
Parents/caregivers who will not require school bus transportation for their eligible child(ren) will be asked to complete an electronic opt-out form. This form confirms that a seat will not be needed.

Key information

• Automatic renewal: Transportation service continues in the subsequent school year unless
  parents/caregivers opt-out or decline.
• Deadline: To cancel transportation for the following school year, submit an opt-out form by
  June 1.
• Default enrollment: No response assumes continued transportation need.
• Reinstatement: Requests for reinstated service can be made anytime via OSTA's
  Transportation Issues Form; approval is subject to eligibility and availability, with processing
  up to 3 business days.

OSTA has provided messaging to share with your school and parent community. OSTA will be
communicating its new opt-out process to parents/caregivers up until the June 1st deadline.

Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership.
Sincerely,

Stacey Kay

Messaging to Parents/Caregivers:

Ottawa Student Transportation (OSTA) has implemented an opt-out process to enhance bus
routing and transportation planning for the 2025-2026 school year.

If your child(ren) will not require school bus transportation next school year, please complete
the electronic opt-out form to inform OSTA that a seat is not needed. This will help optimize
services and minimize disruptions. Requests for reinstated service can be made anytime
through OSTA’s Transportation Issues Form, and is subject to availability and eligibility.
The opt-out form is now available on OSTA’s website. The deadline to apply is June 1, 2025.