April 17, 2023—A student transportation review was recently conducted to determine route efficiencies and potential cost savings in five regions: Bayside, Belleville, Central Hastings, North Hastings and Trenton.
Public consultation with families and schools was conducted in March through a series of town hall meetings.
Student transportation decisions
Based on feedback from the public consultations, changes to student transportation will proceed in the three regions outlined below. No changes will be made in Belleville or Central Hastings at this time.
Bayside
- Affected schools: Bayside Public School, Bayside Secondary School
- For September 2023, a walking path will be constructed from the Stonecrest subdivision to the two Bayside schools. This will enable students to walk to school rather than take the bus as courtesy riders. By making this change, bus run 814-1 will no longer be needed, resulting in a savings of $25,071.
Trenton
- Affected school: Trenton High School
- For September 2023, students who are currently within walking distance of Trenton High School and take the bus as courtesy riders, will be required to walk to school. By making this change, bus run 899-1 will no longer be needed, resulting in a savings of $31,595.
North Hastings
- Affected schools: Bird's Creek Public School, North Hastings High School, York River Public School
- For September 2024, the proposed school start and end bell times will take effect. The delay in implementation is to allow time for more discussion and input about childcare availability and to determine the effects on shared bus routes with Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board.
Thank you to all who provided feedback. It was considered as part of the final decision.