Capacity

School vehicles can operate at full capacity. Vehicles for elementary students should reduce capacity where possible. The seat directly behind the driver in school buses should remain empty to maintain physical distancing between the driver and students. This distancing measure may not be applicable to other vehicle types such as vans or cars. Where school vehicles are able to operate at less than full capacity, students should be seated in a manner that maximizes physical distancing.

Active forms of travel (for example, walking and cycling) are encouraged to ease pressure on transportation demand.

Windows should be opened when feasible to increase ventilation.

Masks are required

The use of non-medical masks for students in grades 1 to 12 is required on school vehicles. Students in kindergarten are encouraged to wear masks on student transportation. Exceptions should be made for students with medical conditions or special needs that prevent masking.

Assigned seats

Students should be assigned seats. Students who live in the same household or are in the same classroom cohort should be seated together where possible.

Cleaning

School vehicles should follow an enhanced cleaning protocol of disinfecting high-touch surfaces (for example, handrails, seatbacks) at least twice daily.

Student transportation service providers should also consider the health and safety guidance during COVID‑19 for student transportation employers released by the Public Services Health and Safety Association.