CORNWALL, Ontario – Student Transportation of Eastern Ontario (STEO) has made some changes to their courtesy seating accommodation and walk distance for students.
Effective this September, the walk distance has changed from 1.6 km to 2 km for grade 7 and 8 students to align with grade 9 to 12 students. Students who live within 2 km of the school will not be eligible for bussing, unless there is a courtesy seat available and there is a safety issue on their walking route, the student has a medical need, or the student is involved in an extraordinary circumstance.
The walk distance for students in grade 6 and below has not been impacted.
“The courtesy process has been refined in the face of rising transportation costs,” said Janet Murray, CAO of STEO.
Murray emphasized that STEO and the board will take measures to ensure that transportation is available for the people who need it most and thus make the proper accommodations.
“There are so many considerations that have to go into account,” explained Murray. “The area that we service is so big, and there is such a rural component to it that there are going to be some roads that may not have sidewalks but might still be deemed not to be hazardous.”
A communication about the changes was sent out to students in June according to Murray, and all affected individuals have been notified that their courtesy accommodation has expired.
“We have received numerous phone calls from people inquiring about certainly the change to the walk distance, or anybody who feels like they have experienced a change to their transportation situation, or just have questions,” said Murray.
Any parents who have concerns or questions are encouraged to communicate to STEO via telephone or visit the company’s website.
STEO reinforces that there have been no changes to grandfathered students and existing out of boundary students; they will continue to receive transportation.
“Every out of boundary situation is going to be reviewed on an annual basis. Again, just for efficiencies and safety in mind. But they will continue to receive transportation in Sept.,” said Murray.
STEO wants to let students and family know that they understand the importance of transportation.
“We know that costs are escalating in the area of transportation… we are always mindful of doing our best to be as efficient as possible while doing our very very best to minimize the impact on students and families,” said Murray.
