Student Transportation

On this page:

• Supporting Y​RDSB’s Students Health and Well-being through Active School Travel

• ​Student Transportation FAQ

Supporting Y​RDSB’s Students Health and Well-being through Active School Travel

In an effort to keep our school zones safe and reduce traffic congestion, we request all families and students walk, cycle and consider active modes as often as possible when travelling to and from school. 

Below are some guidelines to consider as you journey to school.

General princi​ples

• All students who live within walking distance are encouraged to walk or bike to and from school. Students in grade 4 to 8 are especially encouraged to travel on foot or by bike rather than being driven to school.

Sch​ools

• Schools will share their own active school travel plan to ensure that students are dropped off and picked up according to these guidelines, and to set rules specific to their school situation including use of bike/scooter racks, Kindergarten hand-off procedures, entrance and dismissals.

​Walking or ​Biking to School

• Greet neighbours, friends and crossing guards with a smile, wave, bow or nod.
• When walking children that must be supervised we encourage families to work together and take turns leading a group of children to and from school practicing physical distancing. Consider the Walking School Bus while adhering to health and safety measures, including  physical distancing.
• Let children who are capable, walk or ride the last block or two on their own or with friends.  
• Families with older children are encouraged to have them walk their younger siblings.
• Help children cross busy streets safely and let them walk or cycle from there. This is a good way to gradually practice pedestrian skills and grow the distance your child can travel independently
• If you cycle, dismount and walk near schools and in other areas where more pedestrians are present

Student Pick-up and Drop-off

• It is preferred that kiss and ride loops are reserved for kindergarten and primary grade students.
• If you choose to drive your child to school, park your car a few blocks away and walk the rest of the way to school to reduce congestion at the school. Follow all street signage and obey parking bylaws.
• Leave home earlier to avoid congestion on your travel routes

What are t​he benefits?

• physical and mental health and overall wellbeing including stronger immune systems,
• social development and improved academic performance
• reduced vehicle congestion on our school sites and in our neighbourhoods, and
• reduced air pollution and CO2 emissions

Many of our schools have active school travel plans in place and previously worked to encourage active school travel through a number of initiatives including Walking Wednesdays, Bike to School week etc. If you need some ideas to help boost active school travel modes at your school please visit the student transportation active school travel programs website. 

Frequently Asked Questions