1. Ottawa Student Transportation Authority 1645 Woodroffe Ave. Nepean, ON K2G 1W2 Tel: 613-224-8800 Fax: 613-224-8840
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OSTA TRANSFORMATION
Overview

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Ottawa Student Transportation Authority 1645 Woodroffe Ave. Nepean, ON K2G 1W2 Tel: 613-224-8800 Fax: 613-224-8840
• Why (oh, why) are we doing this?
• Transformation Approach
• Bell Time Review Process
• Walk Zone Maps and Hazards
• School Active Transportation Program
• Public Consultation
Overview

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Ottawa Student Transportation Authority 1645 Woodroffe Ave. Nepean, ON K2G 1W2 Tel: 613-224-8800 Fax: 613-224-8840
• Efficiency and Effectiveness (Leading Practices Guideline)
• 2 reviews, with follow up planned in 2016
• Routing efficiency elements:
- One set of maps – hazards, distances, measurement
- Bell times that allow each vehicle to do 3 runs
- Reducing kilometers run and paid to Bus Operators
Balance the need for efficient and effective transportation
with the other needs of the school community
Why is OSTA proposing these changes?

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Ottawa Student Transportation Authority 1645 Woodroffe Ave. Nepean, ON K2G 1W2 Tel: 613-224-8800 Fax: 613-224-8840
Healthy schools, healthy communities:
• New Ministry objective – Student Well-Being
• Active transportation program at OSTA
• School Active Transportation Support Network
(OPW, OPS, OPH, By-Law, Crossing Guards, School Boards, etc)
Links to other City initiatives, including:
• Safer Roads Ottawa
• Ottawa Public Health H.E.A.L. Strategy
• Transportation Planning
Why?... continued…

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Ottawa Student Transportation Authority 1645 Woodroffe Ave. Nepean, ON K2G 1W2 Tel: 613-224-8800 Fax: 613-224-8840
• Each school community impacted differently
• Do it once, make it count, let it be
• System-wide approach means:
- No perceived favouritism or selectivity
- Consistent application of policies/procedures
- Same messaging to all constituents
- Lessons learned, shared experiences
• Lots and lots of notice
• Any savings become investment opportunities
• Responsibility to use public funds appropriately
Transformation Approach

6. Ottawa Student Transportation Authority 1645 Woodroffe Ave. Nepean, ON K2G 1W2 Tel: 613-224-8800 Fax: 613-224-8840
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OSTA TRANSFORMATION
Bell Time Review

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Ottawa Student Transportation Authority 1645 Woodroffe Ave. Nepean, ON K2G 1W2 Tel: 613-224-8800 Fax: 613-224-8840
• Schools in geographical areas – no Boards, no zones
• Maximum triple runs
- 30 min between run 1 and 2
- 45 min between run 2 and 3
• Establish standard for future bell times
• Used preliminary # of students as result of hazard
review - # will increase as result of consultation
• Some schools 5,10, 15, 30 and a few at 45-60 minutes
Bell Time Review Process

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Ottawa Student Transportation Authority 1645 Woodroffe Ave. Nepean, ON K2G 1W2 Tel: 613-224-8800 Fax: 613-224-8840
• High schools
- little consensus about best start time
- Early times best for older siblings taking care of
younger, best for after school jobs and sport
- Late times better for academic results
- OSTA attempted to use later start time whenever
possible, or practical
- Consultation at each school community will dictate
which one is preferable for them
Review Process… continued…

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Ottawa Student Transportation Authority 1645 Woodroffe Ave. Nepean, ON K2G 1W2 Tel: 613-224-8800 Fax: 613-224-8840
• Public consultation April – June 2014
• Prepare 1 or 2 iterations using feedback
• Approval for <10 min – OSTA Board
• Approval for >10 min – School Board – Dec 2014
• Communication to all parties January 2015
• Implementation September 2015
Bell Time Review – Approval Process

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Ottawa Student Transportation Authority 1645 Woodroffe Ave. Nepean, ON K2G 1W2 Tel: 613-224-8800 Fax: 613-224-8840
• Barrhaven schools excluded
• Notre Dame excluded due to programming issues but WE
Gowling/St Elizabeth proposed times changed to 8am
• All Saints excluded due to long runs with early start,
therefore no change to St Gabriel
• Area excluded: Lady Evelyn, Elgin, Viscount Alexander,
First Ave, Centennial, Cambridge, Hopewell, Mutchmor,
Corpus Christi, St Anthony
• Reviewing “one school, two locations”
• Reviewing impact on Near West Review schools
• OSTA made changes upon requests if led to efficiencies
Exclusions, Requests and Changes

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Ottawa Student Transportation Authority 1645 Woodroffe Ave. Nepean, ON K2G 1W2 Tel: 613-224-8800 Fax: 613-224-8840
• Timing of runs between bell times reduces delays
• Increased consistency of driver and bus operator
in am/pm
- Better communication between Principal, Operator and Driver
- Improved discipline on bus
- Reduced risk of errors on runs
- Increased safety of students through recognition
Positive Outcomes – Customer Service

12. Ottawa Student Transportation Authority 1645 Woodroffe Ave. Nepean, ON K2G 1W2 Tel: 613-224-8800 Fax: 613-224-8840
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OSTA TRANSFORMATION
Walk Zones and Hazards

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Ottawa Student Transportation Authority 1645 Woodroffe Ave. Nepean, ON K2G 1W2 Tel: 613-224-8800 Fax: 613-224-8840
Walk zone – the boundary surrounding the school community based on the
eligibility policy for distance
Walking hazard – a relative risk to safety that a student may encounter while
walking to school
Hazard zone – an area within the walk zone from which students may receive
transportation due to elevated risk to safety beyond acceptable threshold
Distance measurement – the shortest distance by road or approved pathway
from the nearest point of public access to the student’s property to the nearest
point of access to school property (using City of Ottawa mapping and
infrastructure network on Edulog System)
Walk Zone Lingo

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Ottawa Student Transportation Authority 1645 Woodroffe Ave. Nepean, ON K2G 1W2 Tel: 613-224-8800 Fax: 613-224-8840
• Need ONE set of maps
• Harmonized policies re: distances and measurement
-800m KG, 1.6km gr 1-8, 3.2km gr 9-12
-Use pathways and road network (new OCSB)
• Common criteria and assessment procedure for hazards
• Morrison Hershfield – study and procedure
• McCormick Rankin – conduct test of 20 sites
• McCormick Rankin – system-wide review of 180 sites
• OSTA Zone Coordinators identified areas of change
• GM reviewed preliminary baseline results and approved initial
overrides according to staff recommendations
• Production of the first draft of maps
Walk Zones and Hazards

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Ottawa Student Transportation Authority 1645 Woodroffe Ave. Nepean, ON K2G 1W2 Tel: 613-224-8800 Fax: 613-224-8840
• Internal consultation with staff and Trustees first draft
• Identified areas of concern, reviewed complaints,
inconsistencies between schools within same
geographical area
• Revised second draft of maps with additional hazards
(overrides by GM) for public consultation
• Using feedback, one last revision of maps
• Final maps in January 2015
Walk Zones and Hazards… continued…

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Ottawa Student Transportation Authority 1645 Woodroffe Ave. Nepean, ON K2G 1W2 Tel: 613-224-8800 Fax: 613-224-8840
• What is “RISK”? - Subjective
• OSTA’s Hazard Zone Review procedure uses an objective
approach that is data-driven, yet recognizing the unique
characteristics of road networks in different communities
• OSTA expects that children under the age of 11 will be
accompanied by another responsible person
• Up to the parents to determine whether their child can
manage certain risks
Hazard Zone Review Procedure

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Ottawa Student Transportation Authority 1645 Woodroffe Ave. Nepean, ON K2G 1W2 Tel: 613-224-8800 Fax: 613-224-8840
• Collision data
(intersections with 3 or more pedestrian collisions in 5 years excluded)
• Traffic counts at all intersections
(City of Ottawa or OSTA conducted)
• Crossings
(controlled intersections, no mid-block, sightlines)
• Corridors
(sidewalks – width and separation, commercial access)
• Mitigation
(crossing guards)
• Temporary vs Permanent Hazard
(construction, development)
Hazard Zone Review Procedure continued …

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Ottawa Student Transportation Authority 1645 Woodroffe Ave. Nepean, ON K2G 1W2 Tel: 613-224-8800 Fax: 613-224-8840
The procedure does not include warrants for, or
evaluation of, the following:
a) Nature of traffic (OSTA)
b) Pathways (OSTA)
c) Urban vs Suburban vs Rural (OSTA)
d) Lighting
e) Relative safety of neighbourhoods
f) Residential streets or minor collectors
g) Snow/Ice
Hazard Zone Review Procedure continued …

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Ottawa Student Transportation Authority 1645 Woodroffe Ave. Nepean, ON K2G 1W2 Tel: 613-224-8800 Fax: 613-224-8840
Step 1 – Identify infrastructure – sidewalks, intersections (type),
various routes to school
Step 2 – Use Data Collection Sheets (crossings/corridors) to evaluate segments
of each route - If an automatic warrant is established, evaluation
stops and transportation assigned
Step 3 – Use Evaluation Sheet to assign points to each potential risk identified
in Data Collection Sheet to determine if a combined warrant is
established
Kindergarten – 60 points within 800m
Grades 1 to 3 – 60 points within 1.6km
Grades 4 to 8 – 100 points within 1.6km
Step 4 – Assess mitigation of risk ie Crossing Guard
Hazard Zone Review Procedure continued …

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Ottawa Student Transportation Authority 1645 Woodroffe Ave. Nepean, ON K2G 1W2 Tel: 613-224-8800 Fax: 613-224-8840
• Have been used by OCDSB for some 15-20 years
• Winter-maintained by City of Ottawa
• Reviewed paths where there was a change
• Excluded paths where:
• Ravines or forested areas
• Extended lack of visibility of students
• Isolated areas near railroads, hydro lines, Transitway
• Near parking lots, commercial areas
• Going through other schools or near high schools
Pathways

21. Ottawa Student Transportation Authority 1645 Woodroffe Ave. Nepean, ON K2G 1W2 Tel: 613-224-8800 Fax: 613-224-8840

22. Ottawa Student Transportation Authority 1645 Woodroffe Ave. Nepean, ON K2G 1W2 Tel: 613-224-8800 Fax: 613-224-8840
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OSTA TRANSFORMATION
School Active
Transportation Program

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Ottawa Student Transportation Authority 1645 Woodroffe Ave. Nepean, ON K2G 1W2 Tel: 613-224-8800 Fax: 613-224-8840
Video: OPHEA Healthy Schools, Healthy Communities: How You Make a Difference

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Ottawa Student Transportation Authority 1645 Woodroffe Ave. Nepean, ON K2G 1W2 Tel: 613-224-8800 Fax: 613-224-8840
• OSTA/OCDSB/OCSB signed a SAT Charter
• Health and well-being of students
• Improved ability and desire to learn
• Connect to their community
• Environmental impact
• Leadership
• Funding for Safety and Accessible Transportation Coordinator
• Funding for Green Communities Canada (STP)
• Design “Preferred Route to School” maps using hazard data
School Active Transportation Charter

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Ottawa Student Transportation Authority 1645 Woodroffe Ave. Nepean, ON K2G 1W2 Tel: 613-224-8800 Fax: 613-224-8840
• 8-10 WSB routes in Fall 2014 for 12 weeks
• Funded by:
- Ottawa Public Health
- OSTA
- City of Ottawa Transportation Planning
- Ottawa Safety Council
- Green Communities
• Schools actively doing School Travel Planning eligible
• Paid WSB Leader walks pre-determined route
• Evaluating benefits to students, operational requirements, costs
Walking School Bus Pilot

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Ottawa Student Transportation Authority 1645 Woodroffe Ave. Nepean, ON K2G 1W2 Tel: 613-224-8800 Fax: 613-224-8840
• Working with Ottawa Public Health, Ottawa Public Works and
Transportation Planning, Green Communities Canada to
develop program that will be deployed at all schools
• Healthy lifestyles
• Curriculum integration
• Environmental impact
• Improved community infrastructure
• School Travel Planning
School Active Transportation Support Network

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Ottawa Student Transportation Authority 1645 Woodroffe Ave. Nepean, ON K2G 1W2 Tel: 613-224-8800 Fax: 613-224-8840
• Mitigation for increased car traffic at schools
• Network channels to ensure SAT inquiries tracked and handled
in priority sequence through communication hubs
Steering Committee
OSTA , OCSB, OCDSB, OPH , GCC, OPS,
City of Ottawa Transportation Planning,
Other Funders,
Community Representatives
Active Transportation… continued…

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Ottawa Student Transportation Authority 1645 Woodroffe Ave. Nepean, ON K2G 1W2 Tel: 613-224-8800 Fax: 613-224-8840
•
School
Community
OCDSB/OCSB OSTA OPH City of Ottawa GCC OPS
Develop
and
manage SAT
Plan
Facilities and
infrastructure
Transport.
Policy
Develop and
deliver SAT
tools
Streamline and
prioritize
infrastructure
improvements
Manage SAT
Review
Committee
Traffic law
enforcement
Recruit/
manage
volunteers
Develop SAT
tool,
curriculum
Hazard Zone
criteria and
assessments
Facilitate SAT
at the school,
support school
community
School Crossing
Guards
Traffic lights,
signage
Assist in
developing
SAT tool
School
Resource
Officer
Walking
route maps
Traffic issues –
By-Law
Support
/advise school
community
Coms Hub
Coms Hub Snow clearance Training
Coms Hub (311) Facilitate at
some sites

29. Ottawa Student Transportation Authority 1645 Woodroffe Ave. Nepean, ON K2G 1W2 Tel: 613-224-8800 Fax: 613-224-8840
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OSTA TRANSFORMATION
Public Consultation

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Ottawa Student Transportation Authority 1645 Woodroffe Ave. Nepean, ON K2G 1W2 Tel: 613-224-8800 Fax: 613-224-8840
• Feedback must be specific
• OSTA will look for alternatives and solutions
• Ministry will accept justifiable exclusions
• Bell times – impact on student/family – flexibility
• Walk Zones – specifics at street level - less flexibility
Open House
Staff is available to answer questions regarding walk zone maps
at specific schools scheduled for this consultation session
Public Consultation – Nature of Feedback

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Ottawa Student Transportation Authority 1645 Woodroffe Ave. Nepean, ON K2G 1W2 Tel: 613-224-8800 Fax: 613-224-8840
Submit your comments until July 15 2014:
www.surveymonkey.com/s/OSTAsurvey
www.ottawaschoolbus.ca
feedback@ottawaschoolbus.ca
* Name of school in subject line, full contact info and address
Paper survey available upon request
Public Consultation Feedback

32. Ottawa Student Transportation Authority 1645 Woodroffe Ave. Nepean, ON K2G 1W2 Tel: 613-224-8800 Fax: 613-224-8840
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Thank you.