OSTA Transformation Presentation

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

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OSTA TRANSFORMATIONOverview

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• Why (oh, why) are we doing this?• Transformation Approach • Timeline• Bell Time Review Process• Walk Zone Maps and Hazards• School Active Transportation Program• Public Consultation

• Why (oh, why) are we doing this?• Transformation Approach • Timeline• Bell Time Review Process• Walk Zone Maps and Hazards• School Active Transportation Program• Public Consultation

Overview

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• Effi cie n cy a n d Effe cti ve n e ss (Leading Practices Guideline)• 2 re v ie w s, w ith fo llo w u p p la n n e d in 2 0 1 6• Ro u ti n g e ffi cie n cy e le m e n ts:

- O n e set o f m a p s – h a za rd s, d ista n ce s, m e a su re m e n t- B e ll ti m e s th at a llo w e a ch ve h ic le to d o 3 ru n s- Re d u c in g k ilo m e te rs ru n a n d p a id to B u s O p e rato rs

Balance the need for effi cient and effective transportation with the other needs of the

school community

• 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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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

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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• 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

• 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

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TimelineDate Action

April – June 2014 Public Consultation Sessions (Feedback until July 15)

July – November 2014 Staff reviews feedback, evaluates trends at individual schools, review walk zone map concerns and conducts site visits (if necessary), prepares recommendations

December 2014 Report to OCDSB/OCSB re: recommendations and approvals for bell times >10minutes, report to OSTA for bell times <10 minutes

January 2015 Communication to schools re: new bell times and walk zones

May 2015 Communication to schools re: new bell times and walk zones

August 2015 New routes for 2015-2016 school year available

September 2015 Implementation of changes


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OSTA TRANSFORMATIONBell Time Review

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• Schools in geographical areas – no Boards, no zones• Maximum triple runs

- 30 m in betw een run 1 and 2- 45 m in betw een 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

• 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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• 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

• 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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• 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

• 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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• Barrhaven schools excluded• Notre Dam e excluded due to program m ing issues but W E Gowling/St Elizabeth proposed tim es 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, Cam bridge, Hopewell, M utchm or, Corpus Christi, St Anthony• Reviewing “one school, two locations”• Reviewing im pact on Near West Review schools• OSTA m ade changes upon requests if led to effi ciencies

• 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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• 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

• 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


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OSTA TRANSFORMATIONWalk Zones and Hazards

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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 – 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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• 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

• 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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• 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

• 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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• 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

• 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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• Collision data (intersections with 3 or more pedestrian collisions in 5 years excluded)

• Traffi c counts at all intersections (City of Ottawa or OSTA conducted)

• Crossings (controlled intersections, no mid-block, sightlines)

• Corridors (sidewalks – width and separation, commercial access)• M itigation (crossing guards)• Tem porary vs Perm anent H azard (construction, development)

• 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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The procedure does not include warrants for, or evaluation of, the following:

a) N atu re o f traffi c (O STA )b) Pathw ays (O STA )c) U rb an vs Su b u rb an vs R u ra l (O STA )d) L ighti n ge) Re lati ve safety o f n e igh b o u rh o o d sf) Re sid e nti al streets o r m in o r co lle cto rsg) Sn o w /Ice

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) Lightinge) Relative safety of neighbourhoodsf) Residential streets or minor collectorsg) Snow/Ice


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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

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


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• 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 visib ility of students • Iso lated areas near ra ilroads, hydro lines, Transitw ay• N ear parking lots, com m ercia l areas • G oing through other schools or near h igh schools

• 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


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OSTA TRANSFORMATIONSchool Active

Transportation Program

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Video: OPHEA Healthy Schools, Healthy Communities: How You Make a Difference

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• O STA /O CD SB/O CSB signed a SAT Charter• H ealth and w ell-being of students• Im proved ability and desire to learn• Connect to their com m unity• Environm ental im pact• Leadership

• Funding for Safety and A ccessib le Transportation Coordinator • Funding for G reen Com m unities Canada (STP)• D esign “Preferred Route to School” m aps using hazard data

• 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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• 8-10 W SB routes in Fall 2014 for 12 w eeks• Funded by:

- Ottawa Public Health- OSTA- City of Ottawa Transportation Planning- Ottawa Safety Council- Green Communities

• Schools actively doing School Travel P lanning e lig ib le • Paid W SB Leader w alks pre-determ ined route• Evaluating benefits to students, operational requirem ents,

costs

• 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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• W orking w ith m any organizations sharing a sim ilar vision and strategy to prom ote active transportation for students and com m unities at large

• H ealthy lifestyles• Curricu lum integration• Environm ental im pact• Im proved com m unity infrastructure• School Travel P lanning

• Working with many organizations sharing a similar vision and strategy to promote active transportation for students and communities at large

• Healthy lifestyles• Curriculum integration• Environmental impact• Improved community infrastructure• School Travel Planning

School Active Transportation Support Network

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• M itigation for increased car traffi c at schools• N etw ork channels to ensure SAT inquiries tracked and handled in priority sequence through com m unication hubs

Steering Com m itt eeO STA , O CSB, O CD SB, O PH , G CC, O PS, C ity of O ttaw a Transportation P lanning , O ther Funders, Com m unity Representatives

• Mitigation for increased car traffic at schools• Network channels to ensure SAT inquiries tracked and handled in priority sequence through communication hubs

Steering CommitteeOSTA , OCSB, OCDSB, OPH , GCC, OPS, City of Ottawa Transportation Planning, Other Funders, Community Representatives

Active Transportation… continued…

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•

•

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 infrastructureimprovements

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 GuardsTraffic 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


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OSTA TRANSFORMATIONPublic Consultation

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• Feedback m ust be specific• O STA w ill look for a lternatives and solutions• M in istry w ill accept justifiable exclusions• Be ll tim es – im pact on student/fam ily – flexib ility• W alk Zones – specifics at street level - less flexib ility

Open House Staff is available to answ er questi ons regarding w alk zone m aps

at specific schools scheduled for th is consultati on session

• 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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Subm it your com m ents until Ju ly 15 2014:

www.surveymonkey.com/s/OSTAsurvey

www.ottawaschoolbus.ca

[email protected]* Name of school in subject line, full contact info and address

Paper survey availab le upon request and at consultation

Submit your comments until July 15 2014:

www.surveymonkey.com/s/OSTAsurvey

www.ottawaschoolbus.ca

[email protected]* Name of school in subject line, full contact info and address

Paper survey available upon request and at consultation

Public Consultation Feedback

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/OSTAsurvey

http://www.ottawaschoolbus.ca/

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/OSTAsurvey

http://www.ottawaschoolbus.ca/

mailto:[email protected]


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Thank you.

OSTA Transformation Presentation

Business

Transcript of OSTA Transformation Presentation