Toronto cancels school transportation during G20 Summit

TORONTO — The Toronto District School Board decided to cancel all school bus transportation to all schools in the city tomorrow, June 25, as the G20 Summit commences.

The decision was made after consultation among the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB), Toronto District School Board, the Ministry of Education, as well as local police.

The boards anticipate a great deal of traffic congestion leading up to the G20 Summit. The Integrated Security Unit has indicated that Toronto residents should expect traffic congestion and delays from June 24 - 28.

It is not known when motorcades will start down major arteries, resulting in closures of some highways and bridges over these roadways, officials said. The boards recognize that when major arteries experience lane closures, complete road closures or significant congestion, drivers seek out alternate routes, adding congestion to those roads as well.

In a letter sent to parents, TCDSB Director of Education Ann Perron, stated that, "The safety and well-being of our students is our top priority. We do not want to subject our students to the possibility of spending extended periods of time on buses that are not able to maneuvre around traffic congestion, nor do we want to subject students to waiting for long periods of times on city streets for school buses that are delayed due to road closures and traffic congestion."

Both boards will continue to work closely with Toronto Police Service and the Integrated Security Unit to ensure that safety plans are consistent and reasonable under the circumstances, district officials said.