OSTA
The Ottawa Student Transportation (OSTA) is responsible for all home-to-school transportation on behalf of the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) and the Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB). Our service area covers 2,670 sq. km and includes 252 schools.
OSTA provides safe and efficient transportation services to more than 74,000+ students at its member school boards using yellow buses, wheelchair buses, school purpose vans in collaboration with over 11 Operators in the Ottawa area.
Our Operators
The Ottawa Student Transportation (OSTA) contracts service with trusted bus companies and transportation providers. All of our Operators are responsible for hiring and training their own drivers.
Premier Bus Lines
D.C. Bus Lines
Direct Transportation Logistics
M&R School Transportation
Sommer Transportation Services
Monarch Student Transportation
Why Drive Yellow?
“I love driving children because they are easy to manage and quick to learn and follow the instructions on a safe journey on a school bus. My weekends are free to enjoy with my family and friends and I get decent extra pay for this part-time job to complete my projects. Instructors were knowledgeable and great to teach me safe driving practices, no doubt I will recommend my friends, stay-at-home mothers and other part-timers to look at this opportunity to serve the community”
“Even though I’m retired from the Canadian Forces I like to keep discipline i.e., getting up early to take advantage of the day, being useful to the community, and earning extra money to supplement my pension... When I see kids getting off the bus and taking time to thank me or turn around to wave at me, I know I made a difference in their life that day but what they don’t know is that they also make a difference in my life.”
“I get to bring my babies/toddlers with me so once we come home from the route it’s lunch and nap time so I am able to get housework done.”
“The hours allow me freedom to work around the house. I love to be around my kids. I like to treat them as my own grandkids.”
“I enjoy the hours and time off between runs. Also the staff is always very friendly and helpful. The buses are well maintained.”
“Being a bus driver has given me the flexibility I need as a mom.”
“I’m growing my potential each and every day “
“I enjoy the variety of things I get to do,” “Every day has opportunities and challenges. I love to find solutions, and it’s really rewarding to feel that you’re making a difference.”
“I enjoy both the driving aspect of a school bus along with the care for the students as well. This job suits my personality and also enjoy the interaction with the kids in helping them in being an important role in their everyday lives.”
Your dedication, professionalism, and respect are evident in how you manage the daily transportation and bring me great peace of mind as a mother. Knowing that my son is under your care gives me complete confidence, and it is a relief to have someone who takes their responsibility so seriously.Your commitment and how you educate and treat the children are admirable. This message is a token of our appreciation for your daily effort, which makes a big difference in our lives.
Tim has been our kids’ bus driver for a few years now and our kids LOVE taking the bus to school. Even on days where one of us is going to the school anyway for a field trip or whatever reason, when given the option to drive in with us or ride the bus they always choose the bus. He is very reliable, always communicating with parents when there is any predictable reason to expect his absence so we can make other arrangements if needed. He is thoughtful and caring, and he pays attention to the kids. He knows their names and acknowledges the parents with a smile every day. Our kids have been devastated to lose a toy or sweater etc on the bus on occasion only to find Tim holding it out to them at his arrival the next school day. They know that “Tim will probably find it and keep it safe for them”. We are so incredibly grateful for the years of care and kindness in keeping our little ones safe on their way to and from school. Every year parents celebrate when they learn that Tim will be our bus driver again. We hope Tim can be recognized for all his dedication and we hope we are lucky enough to continue having Tim as our bus driver for years to come. Thanks Tim for all you do!
Mrs. Hoodie has been our reliable bus driver for 4 years. She greets the children with a smile every morning. I feel comfort in sending my boys (4 &7) on her bus to school. One day my 4 year old came home and said ” Mrs. Hoodie noticed my haircut and told me nice haircut”.
Both my boys speak so highly of her and she truly deserves recognition for getting a bus full of children to and from school safely day in and day out!We love having Mrs Hoodie!
Mrs. Hoodie has been our reliable bus driver for 4 years. She greets the children with a smile every morning. I feel comfort in sending my boys (4 &7) on her bus to school. One day my 4 year old came home and said ” Mrs. Hoodie noticed my haircut and told me nice haircut”.
Both my boys speak so highly of her and she truly deserves recognition for getting a bus full of children to and from school safely day in and day out! We love having Mrs Hoodie.
Mrs. Susan has been our bus driver since our son (Grade 2) started school. Her kindness and dedication has helped our son feel more comfortable going to school, and now looks forward to seeing Susan every morning. She also has not missed a day in over 3 years, and has been incredibly timely with pickups and drop offs. We know we can count on Susan every school day!
