STEO is announcing transportation eligibility and service changes that will come into effect for both elementary and secondary school students across the region for the 2026-2027 school year.

Recently, the Ministry of Education introduced standardized transportation criteria across the province that includes changes to the transportation funding formula to ensure a consistent, fiscally responsible and sustainable approach. As a result, there will be changes to transportation service areas and walk-to-stop distances for students serviced by STEO that bring the region into alignment with the standard in place across much of the province.

These updates mean that some students who currently have access to bus transportation will be considered within walking distance to school, have a change to their bus stop location, and/or will have a longer bus ride time. The revised distances are consistent with the standards elsewhere in Ontario and will ensure reasonable distances for the ages of all students in the region.

Outline of Service Changes
Starting September 2026, the following changes will take effect:

Service Change	JK/SK	Grade 1-8	Grade 9-12
Distance between student’s home address and school	800 metres	1.6kms	3.2km
Maximum walking distance to bus stop	0.8km	0.8km*	1.6kms
Maximum bus ride time	75 minutes	75 minutes	90 minutes

*Walking distance between home address and school will be applied consistently to students in grades 7 and 8, regardless of the school setting they attend.

Information, Programming and Resources
Impacted families will receive more information detailing their specific circumstances, resources and supports leading up to the start of the 2026 school year, including:

• • Summer safety and support programming with our trusted community partners.
  • A new centralized online support hub on our website which will provide families with a single access point for medical transportation and exceptional circumstances requests, hazard and safety concerns, as well as clear guidance on transportation eligibility, application processes, and more.
  • Information about our Hazard Assessment Tool, which will evaluate student walking routes, align with industry best practices and local research.

Virtual Information Sessions
STEO is hosting information sessions on Thursday May 21 and Thursday May 28 to provide community members the opportunity to learn more and ask questions. If you have a student who travels with STEO and cannot find your link, please reach out to [email protected]

We recognize these updates will mean changes for families, students, and your daily routines. As we navigate this adaption in service together, our focus will remain, as always, on ensuring safe and equitable access to school transportation service for eligible students across the region and a smooth and safe transition for students impacted by this change.

We are sharing the information as early as possible to allow time for planning, and we are here to support through the transition.

For more information, visit our Frequently Asked Questions page Link to Frequently Asked Questions
Link for Letter to Families with Walk Policy Changes 2026

Please feel free to contact Student Transportation of Eastern Ontario at 1-855-925-0022 or [email protected] for any clarification you may require.

More Information Coming Soon

Additional information will continue to be added over the coming weeks, including:

• Details about transportation service changes
• Opportunities for families to ask questions
• Access to transportation supports and request processes
• Resources to help families prepare for September 2026

Our goal is to ensure families feel informed, supported, and prepared for the upcoming school year.