2019-2020 Application Form

ALL empty seat applications and approvals go through OSTA

Where school bus routes have been established and there are empty seats on a bus, students may be provided transportation even though their distance from the school is within the Walk Zone. OSTA processes all applications and approves seat assignments for both the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board and the Ottawa Catholic School Board.

When assigning students to empty seats, OSTA does not consider applications on a “first come, first serve” basis.  Approval is based on knowledge of the family situation as well as consideration of the following criteria:

• Grade level (priority given to younger Kindergarten students);
• Distance from school (farthest to closest);
• Child care / daycare provider needs;
• Siblings attending the same school;
• Cross-boundary students have the last priority, but may still apply for an empty seat

There will be no changes to bus stops or routes for empty seats.  Students assigned to empty seats may lose their seat if an eligible student is assigned to the bus, the student misbehaves, or there are changes to the route for efficiency.  Please refer to T1 Access to Empty Seats policy and procedure for more information   Empty Seat Provision