Is Your Child’s Transportation Information Ready for September?
With the first day of school just around the corner, now is a good time to make sure your child’s transportation information is up to date.
Whether your child has been riding the bus for years or this is their first time, a few minutes of preparation now can help make for a smoother start to September.
Who manages student transportation?
Student transportation for the Near North District School Board is coordinated by Nipissing-Parry Sound Student Transportation Services (NPSSTS).
NPSSTS plans and manages bus routes, determines transportation eligibility, and provides transportation updates and notifications to families.
Has anything changed since last year?
Transportation arrangements can be affected by changes in your family’s circumstances.
Please contact your child’s school as soon as possible if:
- You have moved to a new address
- Your child is attending a different school
- Your before or after school care arrangements have changed
Updating this information before the start of the school year helps ensure your child’s transportation details are accurate and ready for September.
Not sure if your child is eligible for transportation?
Transportation eligibility is determined by several factors, including a student’s home address, school, grade level, and applicable walking distance requirements.
Eligibility can change as students get older and move through different grades, or when family circumstances change.
If you’re unsure whether your child qualifies for transportation, visit the NPSSTS website for more information about eligibility and walking distance requirements.
If your child takes the bus, register for BusPlanner Web
BusPlanner Web is an online portal used by NPSSTS to provide families with their child’s transportation information.
If you haven’t already registered, we encourage you to set up your account before the first day of school.
Once you’re registered, you can:
- View your child’s bus stop information
- Review route details
- Receive transportation notifications
- Stay informed about delays and cancellations
- Get updates about route changes
New to BusPlanner Web? Follow the instructions to create your account and subscribe to notifications. Visit the NPSSTS website and look for BusPlanner Web Instructions at the bottom of the page
New to the school bus? Information for Kindergarten families
For many Kindergarten students, riding the school bus is an exciting first step in their school journey. A little preparation can help make the transition to school a positive and successful experience.
Before the first day of school, take a few minutes to:
- Confirm your child’s transportation eligibility and stop information
- Make sure emergency contact information is up to date
- Review pick-up and drop-off procedures with your child
- Register for transportation notifications through BusPlanner Web
- Arrive at the bus stop a few minutes before the scheduled pick-up time
- Talk with your child about what to expect during their bus ride
- Review basic school bus safety expectations together
NPSSTS also provides school bus safety information and programs designed to help students become confident and safe riders.
Need More Information?
For information about transportation eligibility, walking distances, BusPlanner Web registration, transportation requests, and student safety resources, visit www.npssts.ca.
If you have questions about your child’s transportation, your school is the best place to start. School staff can help direct your inquiry and connect you with the appropriate transportation resources.
Taking a few minutes now to make sure your information is up to date and register for BusPlanner Web can help you feel prepared and connected as the new school year gets underway.
