Traveling on a school bus can be a fun experience for your child. We are committed to providing a comfortable and safe environment for them and taking them to and from school on time.
For our youngest riders, we offer the Purple=Parent program to help them get used to being on a school bus to create the safest travel experience possible.
Applications are accepted year round. Before applying, be sure to check out our eligibility guidelines and our transportation policy.
Find out more:
Road Safety
Other Ways to Get to and from School
In addition to school busses, there are many other ways children can travel to and from school including walking, wheeling (e.g., bicycle, scooter or mobility device), taking public transit or driving/taking a ride to school.
Whatever option you and your family choose, please remember to be careful and share the road with other road users. Together, we can keep school zones safe!
Walking to School
The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) encourages active transportation to and from school whenever possible. Walking to school can be safer than driving and have a positive impact on student’s mental wellness and academic success.
Learn more about pedestrian safety.
Cycling to School
Similar to walking, cycling is good for children’s health, the environment and our communities.
According to the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) bikes are considered vehicles. Therefore, cyclists must follow the same rules and laws as drivers do.
In Toronto, children 13 and under are allowed to ride on sidewalks; however, it is illegal for older cyclists to do the same. When riding on sidewalks, children must still exercise caution and follow traffic rules.
Learn more about cycling safety.
Driving to School
A child struck by a car travelling at 50 km/hr is eight times more likely to be killed than a child struck at 30 km/hr. Children 10 and under are most at risk for pedestrian related injuries. Therefore, if you are driving your child to or from school, it is important to be alert and slow down as children are smaller and harder to see. In addition, it might be difficult for children to determine the direction of sound and judging distance or speed.
Learn more about driving safety.