If you are in a joint or shared custody situation, you are required to fill out a Joint Custody form (available at all schools). This form collects details for both parent households, including any applicable childcare locations. It may or may not be possible to provide transportation for all requested addresses and this form is the only way for NPSSTS staff to evaluate such requests. Transportation, if available, must use existing routes and bus stops: a route will not be altered to accommodate joint custody situations. Arrangements must be for Monday through Friday at each address (mid-week changes and single days are not permitted).

If you need more information or have any questions on this matter, please call our office at 705-472-8840 or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Additional information can be found in the Eligibility guidelines downloadable document.

Appeals can be registered by parents or guardians with the Nipissing-Parry Sound Student Transportation Services in cases:

• where the assigned stop poses a safety hazard for the student(s) and specific there are concerns regarding the safety of a pick-up or drop-off location;
• when disputing the walking distance in the NPSSTS system;
• when requesting an exception to NPSSTS guidelines because of extenuating circumstances;
• when requesting a closer stop. For information about the Distance to a Designated Stop Location Guideline, please refer to SL-003.

Complete the online forms below to request:

• Courtesy Transportation
• Walking Distance Review
• Stop Location Review
• Closer Stop

All requests for changes to student transportation are made through the school. Please contact your school to complete and sign a Transportation Form (or a Joint Custody form, if applicable).

Steps:

1) Obtain a Transportation Form from your school. It can be completed on site or returned to the school upon completion. 
2) Fill in the name(s) of the student(s), their school and home address, and any other applicable information. If the pick-up or drop-off location is other than home (i.e. daycare), include details in the middle part of the form. 
3) Please be sure to include at least one method of contact, preferably one with voicemail capability. 
4) Sign the form and give it to your school; they will fax it to our office. 
5) Allow up to three full business days from when the fax is sent to the NPSSTS office. 
6) NPSSTS staff or your bus operator will call you with details. Schools also have access to transportation details for all of their students the day after a change is made in the NPSSTS transportation planning system. Please note that the bus stop may or may not be located at the address you provided, as communal stops are frequently used.

During School Start-up

We do not make changes to bus routes (i.e. no new bus stops or changes to route paths) during the two weeks before school starts and the first three weeks of school. Students will be assigned to existing stops only. All changes requested at this time of year may take longer to be processed, regardless of whether or not there is an associated route change.

Please note: Transportation is always subject to eligibility (based on NPSSTS guidelines) and is provided on a permanent, daily basis. Only permanent changes (i.e. changes to school, residence, or childcare location) are accommodated. Schedules (ex. daycare 2 days/week) and temporary changes (ex. caregiver is out of town) are not accommodated.

The NPSSTS provides transportation on a Monday through Friday basis only; schedules or temporary transportation needs are not accommodated.

All students may be transported from one address to school and from school to one address, Monday through Friday. These can be two different addresses, provided the addresses are within the school boundary or school program area (as defined by the applicable school board) and outside of the walking distance to the school for the student's grade level.

There is a separate process for students in joint or shared custody situations. The full week rule still applies, as well as other conditions click here for more details on Joint Custody accommodations.

Walking distances:

Walking distances apply to students of all four member school boards. These distances are measured from where driveways meet the road, following the shortest safe route along public roads and established, maintained walkways. Students whose home or childcare address (as applicable) is within walking distance to school will not be assigned to transportation.

Our Eligibility website (BusPlanner Web) outlines the path used for measurement (i.e. the shortest path), but you may prefer another route. Going over your chosen walking route several times during the summer will add to student comfort and safety when school starts in the fall. There are also pedestrian safety resources in our Safety section (see "Safety Documents" and "Safety Links" in the menu) which may be helpful.

If you're a family with a walking student, consider making the walk a family affair. Be safe, have fun, and enjoy the fresh air!