TTC and/or School Board I think should reconsider its rules for busing

[AmberMoon]

EDIT - I guess my rant should be directed at the school board more then TTC itself, But in the end its our taxes that pay for our children's education and safety and part of the transit systems.


Yesterday my daughter comes home late from school and precedes to tell me that upon paying $1 ( didn't have correct change) onto the bus after school to come home the bus driver told her she was not a child and couldn't ride. She was not allowed to have her $1 back either and the bus driver made her walk home. Usually we have tickets but I forgot to give her money to get them over the weekend.

Anyways we come to find out that she was suppose to be considered a kid not a child (12 and under) as she is 13. We did not know this and have just been buying the same tickets we always bought. Now the price goes up to almost $15 for her to go to and from school daily vs the $5 it was.

Now my ***** is why should children have to pay so much to go to and from school, I could see and understand if it was them playing around and going to the mall ect. School is important and since school buses aren't provided to children they should really consider either allowing students who are in school to ride free or cut the cost to something reasonable like the $5 a week for the child ticket.

It just boggles my mind that they think its ok for our kids to walk to school in the dark or in a blizzard or rain because they cant afford to take the bus daily to and from school. Personally i think any child riding the bus to or from school only should be given a free ride. If its a issue then charge a set fee for all students during arriving / departing times of schools. ( 8am -9am / 2pm-3pm) with a school pass. On a side note I will pay for her to ride the bus, but its not done so in happinesses

How do you feel about this, do you think children should have to pay to be bussed to school?

ADDED

According to the Ontario School Bus Association



Ministry of Transportation (Ontario)

Once a school bus is in operation, the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO) is responsible for establishing the rules and regulations pertaining to vehicles, driver qualifications and licensing, and vehicle inspections through the Highway Traffic Act. MTO also regulates the deployment of safety equipment unique to school buses, such as the stop arm and overhead flashing lights.

Ministry of Education

The Ontario Ministry of Education (MED) provides a grant to school boards for the purchase of student transportation services. However, the decision regarding how transportation is provided rests with individual school boards.

School Boards

In Ontario, school boards are not required to provide transportation services. Transportation is therefore a privilege and not a right. It is the responsibility of each individual school board to develop and maintain a set of transportation policies, including safety provisions. School boards determine and contract for the transportation services that will be provided to their students. Only a few boards choose to own and operate their own buses.
School board transportation officials administer and monitor transportation policies as authorized by their employers.

They generally determine the appropriate bus routes and act as liaison between the school board, parents, government, school bus companies, enforcement agencies, and the public. Find a school board at

[KorruptioN]

Unfortunately, not a lot of things are ever completely "free" anymore. I do know that my younger cousin in Maple who gets bussed to school (big yellow school buses) needs to pay a significant amount for the service. Doing the math, it works out to about as much as the student fare for the TTC.

[gilboman]

Now my ***** is why should children have to pay so much to go to and from school, I could see and understand if it was them playing around and going to the mall ect. School is important and since school buses aren't provided to children they should really consider either allowing students who are in school to ride free or cut the cost to something reasonable like the $5 a week for the child ticket.

It just boggles my mind that they think its ok for our kids to walk to school in the dark or in a blizzard or rain because they cant afford to take the bus daily to and from school. Personally i think any child riding the bus to or from school only should be given a free ride. If its a issue then charge a set fee for all students during arriving / departing times of schools. ( 8am -9am / 2pm-3pm) with a school pass. On a side note I will pay for her to ride the bus, but its not done so in happinesses

How do you feel about this, do you think children should have to pay to be bussed to school?


Why shouldnt children have to pay? Students already have discounted fare already, first you want free/heavily subsidized transportation, what's next? free meals and free clothes?

if you have a kid, you should be able to afford to bus them to school, why would you expect somebody else to pick up the tab to send your kid to school? but if you really can't afford to feed your kid or bus them to school, you can talk to your school and other social agencies and they'll spare you some change to feed your kid and send them to school.

unbelieveable.

[boxingday]

Yesterday my daughter comes home late from school and precedes to tell me that upon paying $1 ( didnt have correct change) onto the bus after school to come home the bus driver told her she was not a child and couldn't ride. She was not allowed to have her $1 back either and the bus driver made her walk home. Usually we have tickets but I forgot to give her money to get them over the weekend.

Anyways we come to find out that she was suppose to be considered a kid not a child (12 and under) as she is 13. We did not know this and have just been buying the same tickets we always bought. Now the price goes up to almost $15 for her to go to and from school daily vs the $5 it was.

Now my ***** is why should children have to pay so much to go to and from school, I could see and understand if it was them playing around and going to the mall ect. School is important and since school buses aren't provided to children they should really consider either allowing students who are in school to ride free or cut the cost to something reasonable like the $5 a week for the child ticket.

It just boggles my mind that they think its ok for our kids to walk to school in the dark or in a blizzard or rain because they cant afford to take the bus daily to and from school. Personally i think any child riding the bus to or from school only should be given a free ride. If its a issue then charge a set fee for all students during arriving / departing times of schools. ( 8am -9am / 2pm-3pm) with a school pass. On a side note I will pay for her to ride the bus, but its not done so in happinesses

How do you feel about this, do you think children should have to pay to be bussed to school?

1)Why should people have to pay when they take the bus to work.If there going to give a break it has to be to everyone.

2)As for walking to school its good for them.

3)When i was in high school the school gave everyone who needed it a free bus pass.

[AmberMoon]

Why shouldnt children have to pay? Students already have discounted fare already, first you want free/heavily subsidized transportation, what's next? free meals and free clothes?

if you have a kid, you should be able to afford to bus them to school, why would you expect somebody else to pick up the tab to send your kid to school? but if you really can't afford to feed your kid or bus them to school, you can talk to your school and other social agencies and they'll spare you some change to feed your kid and send them to school.

unbelieveable.

Actually you are mistaken. The fares are ( according to website)

Child 12 and under .70 cents each way or book of 10 for $5
Kid 13- 19 & Seniors $1.85 each way or 5 tickets $7.50 or 10 for $15
Adult 20++ $2.75 each way or 5 tickets for $11.25/ 10 for $22.50

There is a student discount card for certain area's (the School is located in the City of Toronto or the Regions of York, Peel, Halton or Durham; or (b) the student's primary residence is located in the City of Toronto.) and for children who are just turning 13 according to the site.


As for Free/heavily subsidized transportation, its more along the lines of the taxes we pay should provide a safe schooling structure. Yellow school buses should be provided if your children do not live right around the corner from the school or the TTC should accommodate those children to help them get to and from school safe. Do I feel that adults should have this luxury no but these are children and having them walk in the pouring rain or a snow storm is the least of any parents worries when they are walking home.

As for the free meal/clothes since you bring it up I would actually like to see subsidized lunches for those kids who cant afford it, there are kids out there who's parents can barley live paycheck to paycheck or are on welfare to say the least who's children are suffering in school because they don't eat. If the school provided a balanced hot meal for students they might actually do better in school. I think Canada is behind the times on taking better care of their future with these kids. Do all kids need free meals NO but the ones who's families make very little money should be able to apply for these hot lunches ( out of 4 schools my daughter has attended only 1 had a cafeteria)

I do agree with you that if you are planning to have children that you should have the knowledge to know whether or not you can afford to properly take care of your children but lets get real thats not reality. The people who pick up the tab for our children is the tax payers which my family is. Part of our taxes goes to the schooling of our children so believing that transportation buses to school be provided to children is not a understatement.

I'm assuming you have no children from your very stern reply, but I think that children should be protected and when its required that our children must attend schooling that transportation and a hot meal while there is not unreasonable. Free for those who are unable to afford it and a reasonable price for those who can.

Anyways this was my opinion and this is all kids not just my own, its more about making sure our kids are taken care of while in school and making sure they arrive to and from school protected.


1)Why should people have to pay when they take the bus to work.If there going to give a break it has to be to everyone.


Because going to work you get paid to go, your children are required by law to go to school and get no type of compesation to pay for that requirement if you use that type of logic


2)As for walking to school its good for them.


Couldnt agree more but you think its safe for say a 8 year old to walk to school alone at 7:30am? ( example) Or your 10 year old to struggle to get to school in the fresh downfall of snow that has buried cars in? During the warm months kids usually walk unless its raining or something bad but winter is a different factor


3)When i was in high school the school gave everyone who needed it a free bus pass.

Where I was raised all 12 years of schooling was bused unless you lived within walking distance, and a hot meal could be purchased in the cafeteria for students along with those who needed reduce lunch rates it was offered. Schools since I have grown up have declined drastically yet our taxes keep climbing to pay for a declining system.


On a side note, Please don't get me wrong the TTC is a wonderful resource for everyone and paying to ride it i couldn't agree more but come on these are kids going to school. I don't think that they should be paying normal rates or even paying at all to get a education. But i guess its my opinion to be different

[funkyfr3sh_]

Why shouldnt children have to pay? Students already have discounted fare already, first you want free/heavily subsidized transportation, what's next? free meals and free clothes?

if you have a kid, you should be able to afford to bus them to school, why would you expect somebody else to pick up the tab to send your kid to school? but if you really can't afford to feed your kid or bus them to school, you can talk to your school and other social agencies and they'll spare you some change to feed your kid and send them to school.

unbelieveable.

+ 1

Children should have to pay! Come on, doesn’t matter where your child is going – they are using a service. Either way, a child’s fare is completely reasonable though, but your daughter isn’t a child anymore.

I don’t think your rant should be at the TTC but take it up with your child’s school to further subsidize the cost. It’s not the TTC’s fault there aren’t any school buses.

[Engi-Nir]

Why shouldnt children have to pay? Students already have discounted fare already, first you want free/heavily subsidized transportation, what's next? free meals and free clothes?

if you have a kid, you should be able to afford to bus them to school, why would you expect somebody else to pick up the tab to send your kid to school? but if you really can't afford to feed your kid or bus them to school, you can talk to your school and other social agencies and they'll spare you some change to feed your kid and send them to school.

unbelieveable.

+1...if you can afford to have kids, then you can afford the expenses that comes with having children. who said kids were cheap ;)

[ji2o0k]

I concur that the kid should pay for the TTC ride. Usually it should be the school board that arranges for subsidized fare.

However, the bus driver should have given back the $1. I realize they have those fare collection boxes that you can't open (now why is that? to prevent theft?).

But come on, it is a 13 year old kid. Probably the bus driver thought all kids scam but clearly this case it wasn't.

I am surprised some people sitting at the front didn't offer to cover the extra $0.85.

[AmberMoon]

I don’t think your rant should be at the TTC but take it up with your child’s school to further subsidize the cost. It’s not the TTC’s fault there aren’t any school buses.

Doh!! You are right, It should be at the school board i guess, I just associated it since thats the only method of transportation for students. She is still a child at the age of 13 and has no other means of getting to school besides her feet or TTC buses. I have no problem paying, but I think that TTC and the school board should be able to accommodate these kids.

+1...if you can afford to have kids, then you can afford the expenses that comes with having children. who said kids were cheap ;)

Couldn't agree more but as parents we shouldn't have to be gouged to educate our kids which is required by law, Why is a 12 year old able to get a fee of reasonable amount but as soon as she turns 13 ( even 1 day older) she is paying 3xs the fee to still go to school. I guess its my way of thinking and maybe the vast majority disagrees but I do think that children as long as they are in school should be provided reasonable fares or free busing


However, the bus driver should have given back the $1. I realize they have those fare collection boxes that you can't open (now why is that? to prevent theft?).

But come on, it is a 13 year old kid. Probably the bus driver thought all kids scam but clearly this case it wasn't.

I am surprised some people sitting at the front didn't offer to cover the extra $0.85.

I agree again but they have some type of clause that if you pay and are caught ( lack of a better word) using the wrong type of ticket/token ect you forfeit it and can be removed from the bus. At that time of the day and the bus that she uses there is no one but kids on it coming or going to school it seems since its a subdivision area not a main street. I dont think i have ever seen any more then a dozen people on the bus and of which maybe 2 are adults.

Oh well I guess my thoughts are isolated but i can say Im still not liking the methods of the school board in conjunction with the transits system. Maybe one day it will catch up

[Valek]

Yesterday my daughter comes home late from school and precedes to tell me that upon paying $1 ( didnt have correct change) onto the bus after school to come home the bus driver told her she was not a child and couldn't ride. She was not allowed to have her $1 back either and the bus driver made her walk home. Usually we have tickets but I forgot to give her money to get them over the weekend.

Anyways we come to find out that she was suppose to be considered a kid not a child (12 and under) as she is 13. We did not know this and have just been buying the same tickets we always bought. Now the price goes up to almost $15 for her to go to and from school daily vs the $5 it was.

Now my ***** is why should children have to pay so much to go to and from school, I could see and understand if it was them playing around and going to the mall ect. School is important and since school buses aren't provided to children they should really consider either allowing students who are in school to ride free or cut the cost to something reasonable like the $5 a week for the child ticket.

It just boggles my mind that they think its ok for our kids to walk to school in the dark or in a blizzard or rain because they cant afford to take the bus daily to and from school. Personally i think any child riding the bus to or from school only should be given a free ride. If its a issue then charge a set fee for all students during arriving / departing times of schools. ( 8am -9am / 2pm-3pm) with a school pass. On a side note I will pay for her to ride the bus, but its not done so in happinesses

How do you feel about this, do you think children should have to pay to be bussed to school?

Personally, no I don't think any child should have to PAY to access education, in this case the access is actually a physical transport to and from the institution. However, this isn't the case in real life. It's always been like this.

[weedb0y]

I walked throughout my school years and no I wasn't close enough to the considered walking distance either.

Its just that I took the bus during real bad weather and rest of the days, I just walked. I know my parents were struggling back then (as new immigrants) and even at the age of 10, I knew what I had to do.

Made me what I am today.

[gman]

I concur that the kid should pay for the TTC ride. Usually it should be the school board that arranges for subsidized fare.

However, the bus driver should have given back the $1. I realize they have those fare collection boxes that you can't open (now why is that? to prevent theft?).

But come on, it is a 13 year old kid. Probably the bus driver thought all kids scam but clearly this case it wasn't.

I am surprised some people sitting at the front didn't offer to cover the extra $0.85.

The bus driver cannot give back the $1 because as you said it is in a locked box. Yes, the locked box is to prevent thief. If the bus driver can open it, there is nothing to stop him to steal it. And, as the driver, for the integrity sake, he does not want the possibility to be accused as thief either.

A bus driver cannot easily identify a kid who is 13. He only knows she is not a kid and suspect she is above 12. The girl probably also admitted she is 13.

People in the front and the bus driver probably thought she was scamming. We know it is not the case. It is not necessary clear to the people on that bus. We were not on that bus.

[qster]

Quickest way to resolve all this...

GET RID OF THE UNIONS!

We don't live in the post depression years where employers used to abuse their employees (overwork with little pay) anymore.

Now its the other way around...Overpaid doing little work and union employees complain about everything, hence stiffling production and change for the better.

Why doesn't your child have a TTC student card? Plus she rides the bus everyday so she should know the rates at 13.

[gman]

Quickest way to resolve all this...

GET RID OF THE UNIONS!

We don't live in the post depression years where employers used to abuse their employees (overwork with little pay) anymore.

Now its the other way around...Overpaid doing little work and union employees complain about everything, hence stiffling production and change for the better.

Why doesn't your child have a TTC student card? Plus she rides the bus everyday so she should know the rates at 13.

I personally do not like unions too but what does this have anything to do with union?

[qster]

I personally do not like unions too but what does this have anything to do with union?

The driver wouldn't have kicked the kid off the bus, if the driver didn't have a union to back him up. The driver would be a lot nicer as paying customers could file a complaint (get enough of them and the driver may lose his/her job), hence there would be better customer service.

[gman]

The driver wouldn't have kicked the kid off the bus, if the driver didn't have a union to back him up. The driver would be a lot nicer as paying customers could file a complaint (get enough of them and the driver may lose his/her job), hence there would be better customer service.

What did the driver do wrong? He does not need an union to back him up. He followed company policy.

[totech]

What did the driver do wrong? He does not need an union to back him up. He followed company policy.

True, but as a union employee, he does not need any common sense.

The best option would have been to allow the child to ride, as an exception, and tell her she needed to pay the correct amount the next day.

Shame that our society has degraded to this level, where we don't give a crap about our neighbours.

[AmberMoon]

Quickest way to resolve all this...
Why doesn't your child have a TTC student card? Plus she rides the bus everyday so she should know the rates at 13.

I asked my daughter about the student card last night when i found all this out and she said that the school did them at the start of the year and that because she had just turned 13 she was not eligible. I have now been trying to read the site about this card and it states to get a application from the school so unsure if she is eligible or not for the card. She only rides the bus during school hours as we drive her to stores if we are going out.

As for her riding the bus everyday and knowing, I guess that could be true but its a kid for you to not tell mom, I have NEVER been on a TTC bus and have no clue how they work, I only knew that I had to go to the local store weekly to get her kid tickets but it was my fault for not remembering/knowing that once she turned 13 she had to pay another amount.

[UrbanPoet]

take it to the supreme court....
Education is a universal right. If transportation is required in order to get education perhaps you have a case :O

Whats the distance to the closest school? are you in a rural or suburban area?

[qster]

What did the driver do wrong? He does not need an union to back him up. He followed company policy.

Look...I can understand if the kid was say 16-17 yrs old and knew better. But OP's kid was 13!

Any common sense (driver) and the driver would have let the 13yrs old kid ride the TTC bus home and let the kid know next time to pay the correct fare.

With the union... driver doesn't care about his actions as the are protected by the union.

Yeh... company policy also says a driver can't stop the bus on route and hop into a Timmy's for 3-5 minutes to get a coffee or driver faster just to get to the end of the route to take a 3-5 minute smoke break either. What happened to following company policies??? :confused:

[funkyfr3sh_]

take it to the supreme court....
Education is a universal right.

Whats the distance to the closest school? are you in a rural or suburban area?

I hope you are joking since it's hard to tell with you sometimes.

It’s not like Ambermoon cannot afford to pay the fare. Her child’s right is not being taken away in anyway in getting to school. She just doesn’t like the price you have to pay to get to school. BUT SHE CAN STILL GET TO SCHOOL.

[qster]

I asked my daughter about the student card last night when i found all this out and she said that the school did them at the start of the year and that because she had just turned 13 she was not eligible. I have now been trying to read the site about this card and it states to get a application from the school so unsure if she is eligible or not for the card. She only rides the bus during school hours as we drive her to stores if we are going out.

As for her riding the bus everyday and knowing, I guess that could be true but its a kid for you to not tell mom, I have NEVER been on a TTC bus and have no clue how they work, I only knew that I had to go to the local store weekly to get her kid tickets but it was my fault for not remembering/knowing that once she turned 13 she had to pay another amount.


Your daughter needs to go to the school's office and get an application form for the student card now and fill it out. Then you have to go to I think its still Sherbourne station to get the picture/card done there. Its $5 for the card.

http://www.toronto.ca/ttc/fares.htm#photoid

[gman]

Look...I can understand if the kid was say 16-17 yrs old and knew better. But OP's kid was 13!

Any common sense (driver) and the driver would have let the 13yrs old kid ride the TTC bus home and let the kid know next time to pay the correct fare.

With the union... driver doesn't care about his actions as the are protected by the union.

Yeh... company policy also says a driver can't stop the bus on route and hop into a Timmy's for 3-5 minutes to get a coffee or driver faster just to get to the end of the route to take a 3-5 minute smoke break either. What happened to following company policies??? :confused:

How can you tell if a kid is 13 or not these days?
My younger daughter was considered 16 when she was 11.
My elder daughter was considered 18 when she was 14.
We were not on the bus and we never see this girl.

So, are you saying not following company policy is the way to go? Since they don't follow one company policy (assuming this is true), they should not follow any?

[gman]

Your daughter needs to go to the school's office and get an application form for the student card now and fill it out. Then you have to go to I think its still Sherbourne station to get the picture/card done there. Its $5 for the card.

http://www.toronto.ca/ttc/fares.htm#photoid

I don't think it is the issue. She was asked for a student fee (the fee you will be charged if you have the student card) when she was giving a child fee.

[AmberMoon]

take it to the supreme court....
Education is a universal right. If transportation is required in order to get education perhaps you have a case :O

Whats the distance to the closest school? are you in a rural or suburban area?

Education is a REQUIREMENT by law, so with that logic shouldn't they arrange transportation ? The school is about a mile away roughly and we are in North York so i guess its suburban area within a subdivision not off the main roads. I have no problem paying for her transportation to and from school if that means she gets there safe but I do feel that its pricing is a bit out of portion for something that is required by law. Paying $60 a month is a bit high for a kid to get to school I think.


Your daughter needs to go to the school's office and get an application form for the student card now and fill it out. Then you have to go to I think its still Sherbourne station to get the picture/card done there. Its $5 for the card.

http://www.toronto.ca/ttc/fares.htm#photoid

Could I ask you where Sherbourne station is located ( I tried locating it to no avail) Also could you explain the card to me, Im unclear exactly what it is and do you know what the eligibility's are. We are in North York, School is roughly a mile away and she is 13 in 7th grade Elementary school.

[qster]

I don't think it is the issue. She was asked for a student fee (the fee you will be charged if you have the student card) when she was giving a child fee.

I think you are missing something here...

Issue:
1. OP's kid is 13 years old (cannot use child fare price).
2. OP's kid does not have the TTC student card.

So... until OP's kid gets a TTC Student ID, OP's kid will be forced to pay the adult fare until the Student ID is displayed with the Student fare.

That is the rules on the TTC website.

[qster]

AmberMoon, Sherbourne station is on the Bloor subway line.
Its the next stop going Eastbound at Yonge/Bloor (in between Yonge/Bloor and Castle Frank stations). Its the next set of lights after the Rogers building on Bloor street if you are heading east on Bloor from Yonge, if you are driving.

As for the card. It proves to the TTC driver or fare collector that the kid is a student who's in currently attending school. For the kids who drop out of school early, they are forced to pay the adult fare (since they are probably working). Without the student ID, any 13-19 year old child will have to pay the full adult fare ($2.75). The card itself will have a picture of your child, the attending school and the year the student ID is valid for.

Here is a link to what the student ID looks like.
http://www.toronto.ca/ttc/images/studentcard20072008.jpg

[AmberMoon]

AmberMoon, Sherbourne station is on the Bloor subway line.
Its the next stop going Eastbound at Yonge/Bloor (in between Yonge/Bloor and Castle Frank stations). Its the next set of lights after the Rogers building on Bloor street if you are heading east on Bloor from Young.

Thank you for the info

UGGGG I hate downtown, I guess I will have to get down there with her and get her one. You would think it would just be easier to have a set time say between 7:30 - 9am / 3pm - 4pm that children under 19 get the reduced fee without having to go downtown to get a card ... Oh well i guess thats a option at least. Thank you again.

[gman]

Education is a REQUIREMENT by law, so with that logic shouldn't they arrange transportation ? The school is about a mile away roughly and we are in North York so i guess its suburban area within a subdivision not off the main roads. I have no problem paying for her transportation to and from school if that means she gets there safe but I do feel that its pricing is a bit out of portion for something that is required by law. Paying $60 a month is a bit high for a kid to get to school I think.

Could I ask you where Sherbourne station is located ( I tried locating it to no avail) Also could you explain the card to me, Im unclear exactly what it is and do you know what the eligibility's are. We are in North York, School is roughly a mile away and she is 13 in 7th grade Elementary school.

1 mile away is not that far. Kids in my area just walk to school my younger daughter studies because 1.8km is not far enough to be allowed to be on a school bus even though you still need to pay for school bus. There is no TTC or any public transportation to cover the distance anyway.

The school of my elder daughter is about 1.5 miles away. There is TTC between school and my home. However, she usually just walks home because either she does not have a TTC ticket or just missed a bus and does not want to wait. Most kids who attends the same school and lives in my area usually just walk.

Sherbourne is a subway station in downtown.

[qster]

Woohoo.. new status with last post!

AmberMoon, I blame the teacher.
The teacher should have known better and informed your daughter that she would need the studend ID card if taking the TTC this school year regardless if your kid was still 12 years old at the start of the school year.

The TTC photo person usually comes in once a year along with the school photographer to take pictures and the home room teacher should know this and pass this info to all the students the class.

Must be a new teacher.

[MoonDoggy]

How far does your kid have to walk? I think anything under 5K shouldn't be a problem at all.

If your kid wants to get on a bus that badly and doesn't have money for it, just tell the bus driver that she's being stalked by some boys :D

[CSK'sMom]

I'm kind of confused. OP is ticked off because their daughter doesn't qualify for board busing and doesn't like that they have to pay the student rate (or adult rate without student card).... With only living 1 mile from school OP wouldn't qualify for busing in our school board either, let alone any school board. The Ministry sets the minimum standards for distance from school for busing and it's age geared, JK and SK students right through highschool.

I bet OP would be ranting as well if their daughter was like some of the kids in our school board who are on a bus for almost 2 hrs to get to school, twice a day! ;)

[AmberMoon]

1 mile away is not that far. Kids in my area just walk to school my younger daughter studies because 1.8km is not far enough to be allowed to be on a school bus even though you still need to pay for school bus. There is no TTC or any public transportation to cover the distance anyway.

The school of my elder daughter is about 1.5 miles away. There is TTC between school and my home. However, she usually just walks home because either she does not have a TTC ticket or just missed a bus and does not want to wait. Most kids who attends the same school and lives in my area usually just walk.

Sherbourne is a subway station in downtown.

No its not that far and during the warm months she usually walks with friends but during the cold months and when its dark outside when she leaves for school is not something I like for her to do. She is just 13, She knowns right from wrong granted but to many wackos in this world.



Woohoo.. new status with last post!

AmberMoon, I blame the teacher.
The teacher should have known better and informed your daughter that she would need the studend ID card if taking the TTC this school year regardless if your kid was still 12 years old at the start of the school year.

The TTC photo person usually comes in once a year along with the school photographer to take pictures and the home room teacher should know this and pass this info to all the students the class.

Must be a new teacher.

Congrats and ty for the information. I will get down there and get her one.

How far does your kid have to walk? I think anything under 5K shouldn't be a problem at all.

If your kid wants to get on a bus that badly and doesn't have money for it, just tell the bus driver that she's being stalked by some boys :D

Its about a mile. I think walking 5k is a bit of a stretch for kids, They are not adults and tend to over trust people when they shouldn't.

I'm kind of confused. OP is ticked off because their daughter doesn't qualify for board busing and doesn't like that they have to pay the student rate (or adult rate without student card).... With only living 1 mile from school OP wouldn't qualify for busing in our school board either, let alone any school board. The Ministry sets the minimum standards for distance from school for busing and it's age geared, JK and SK students right through highschool.

No the rant was that I dont think ANY child should have to pay to get to school and if they do have to pay I think it should be reduced for those school kids. Its only a mile and yes I know its not that far and other kids have to travel much further especially when they live in a smaller area.


I bet OP would be ranting as well if their daughter was like some of the kids in our school board who are on a bus for almost 2 hrs to get to school, twice a day! ;)

No I wouldn't, thats part of the bus system its the cost that gets me. I don't think they should be paying to attend school.. But I guess im the minority on this which shocks me as I would have thought the other way.

[mart242]

Who the hell bought your house so far from the school? Blame them!

[CSK'sMom]

But here's the thing Ambermoon..... your daughter does not need to take the bus to school. You live close enough to school to not qualify get board busing. You/she chooses to and or wants to take the bus. Big difference between needs and wants, this is definitely a want. Seeing as you've said you're only a mile from the school it's almost seems like it's laziness to not walk. It also sounds like you haven't properly street-proofed her, at 13 they should absolutely know the ins and outs of safely walking a mile to school IMHO...

[qster]

AmberMoon,
Don't forget to bring your daughter with you to Sherbourne station as the TTC photography will require your daughter there for the photo of her.

[AmberMoon]

But here's the thing Ambermoon..... your daughter does not need to take the bus to school. You live close enough to school to not qualify get board busing. You/she chooses to and or wants to take the bus. Big difference between needs and wants, this is definitely a want. Seeing as you've said you're only a mile from the school it's almost seems like it's laziness to not walk. It also sounds like you haven't properly street-proofed her, at 13 they should absolutely know the ins and outs of safely walking a mile to school IMHO...

Granted its not a need per say that she has to take a bus, but lets take the major snow storm we had a couple weeks ago, very slippery and dangerous outside, yet I should have her walk to school or ride the bus, I think in safety the bus is the choice. Protecting our kids should come first which should include arriving to school or home safe.

As for her being absolutely street-proof, lets tell the 14 year old who was just stabbed to death by her friends or the 14-year-old student was shot and killed at C.W. Jefferys Collegiate Institute or the 15-year-old girl who was abducted while waiting for a bus , that the didnt know street-safety and caused their deaths/abductions.

Its easier said then done, I have taught my daughter the best I can and she knows for most sinerios what to do but its not that simple when something happens so fast with no time to react. Being street smart is not always going to save or protect your children. But thats not the rant started :P Its just that I disagree with the pricing.

AmberMoon,
Don't forget to bring your daughter with you to Sherbourne station as the TTC photography will require your daughter there for the photo of her.

Aye thank you for the heads up. Appreciate all the information :)

[YnD]

I think you are missing something here...

Issue:
1. OP's kid is 13 years old (cannot use child fare price).
2. OP's kid does not have the TTC student card.

So... until OP's kid gets a TTC Student ID, OP's kid will be forced to pay the adult fare until the Student ID is displayed with the Student fare.

That is the rules on the TTC website.

I dont know if things have changed but to my knowledge you dont get a student ID till you reach highschool (Gr 9). At least thats how it was for myself and siblings.

If thats the case then the Gr 8's get the shaft.

[boxingday]

EDIT - I guess my rant should be directed at the school board more then TTC itself, But in the end its our taxes that pay for our children's education and safety and part of the transit systems.


Yesterday my daughter comes home late from school and precedes to tell me that upon paying $1 ( didn't have correct change) onto the bus after school to come home the bus driver told her she was not a child and couldn't ride. She was not allowed to have her $1 back either and the bus driver made her walk home. Usually we have tickets but I forgot to give her money to get them over the weekend.

Anyways we come to find out that she was suppose to be considered a kid not a child (12 and under) as she is 13. We did not know this and have just been buying the same tickets we always bought. Now the price goes up to almost $15 for her to go to and from school daily vs the $5 it was.

Now my ***** is why should children have to pay so much to go to and from school, I could see and understand if it was them playing around and going to the mall ect. School is important and since school buses aren't provided to children they should really consider either allowing students who are in school to ride free or cut the cost to something reasonable like the $5 a week for the child ticket.

It just boggles my mind that they think its ok for our kids to walk to school in the dark or in a blizzard or rain because they cant afford to take the bus daily to and from school. Personally i think any child riding the bus to or from school only should be given a free ride. If its a issue then charge a set fee for all students during arriving / departing times of schools. ( 8am -9am / 2pm-3pm) with a school pass. On a side note I will pay for her to ride the bus, but its not done so in happinesses

How do you feel about this, do you think children should have to pay to be bussed to school?

ADDED

According to the Ontario School Bus Association

So people making min wage just making it by should not get a break.Yet kids who many of them have parents who are making very good money should get a break.Before i was in high i had to walk to school 10 milles each way in the bitter cold.I just have issues with familys who make $80,000 plus getting breaks.

[gilboman]

This is not about busing or access to education at all, its about the OP wanting something that is quite frankly unreasonable (for their kid to not have to walk or provided transportation) when they live a mile from the school.

if boards/ttc were to give free rides to kids within a mile of a school, then another person will want door to door pick up..it never ends. the OP doesnt want their kid to walk a mile to school, that's fine, but why would you expect the school board or TTC to pick up the tab for it?

[MoonDoggy]

This is not about busing or access to education at all, its about the OP wanting something that is quite frankly unreasonable (for their kid to not have to walk or provided transportation) when they live a mile from the school.

if boards/ttc were to give free rides to kids within a mile of a school, then another person will want door to door pick up..it never ends. the OP doesnt want their kid to walk a mile to school, that's fine, but why would you expect the school board or TTC to pick up the tab for it?

you mean childless tax payers? :D

[qster]

I dont know if things have changed but to my knowledge you dont get a student ID till you reach highschool (Gr 9). At least thats how it was for myself and siblings.

If thats the case then the Gr 8's get the shaft.

Not sure when you started school.
But when I was in grades 7-8, it was available. I didn't get one til grade 8 (some kids are 13 entering grade eight or turn 13 during the school year) and the cost was only $2 then.

[gman]

OP, your girl is not in high school. You are fortunate to have TTC as an option. For my younger daughter, public transit is not even an option, snow storm or not. Your daughter is Gr 7 or 8. Why does she stay that late in school? It should not be dark when her school day ends. Is she in a student council or something?

[aimfox]

Well it was the driver's duty so I guess the driver doesnt want to get into trouble either. And for yur child who is 13years old, I wouldnt assume her taking the bus herself. As a parent its part of your job to watchover or drive your daughter back from school to home.

[Alvito]

today on the 60 bus a mentally ill person got on the bus. first she gets on, and sits down, bus driver says u have to come pay, she looks in ur bag, she didnt have money. she gets up to get off the bus, the driver says its okay and proceeds to move the bus, she loses her balance and shrieks. he tells her again its okay. the next stop his hers, and she stands up and waits by the door when she hears the announcement, but forgets to push the request stop button. she misses her stop and has to end up walking more than before. (assuming she walks from the place where she got picked up at) hahahahha. seeing this happen made me >:( though. poor mentally challenged person :(

anyway.... that was an example of the bus driver using his own discretion, too bad ur daughter didnt get the same treatment. It must be karma coming back to kick u in the rear end for whoring in the pepsi contest. :twisted: justice is served.

[funkyfr3sh_]

today on the 60 bus a mentally ill person got on the bus. first she gets on, and sits down, bus driver says u have to come pay, she looks in ur bag, she didnt have money. she gets up to get off the bus, the driver says its okay and proceeds to move the bus, she loses her balance and shrieks. he tells her again its okay. the next stop his hers, and she stands up and waits by the door when she hears the announcement, but forgets to push the request stop button. she misses her stop and has to end up walking more than before. (assuming she walks from the place where she got picked up at) hahahahha. seeing this happen made me >:( though. poor mentally challenged person :(

anyway.... that was an example of the bus driver using his own discretion, too bad ur daughter didnt get the same treatment. It must be karma coming back to kick u in the rear end for whoring in the pepsi contest. :twisted: justice is served.

Physical disabilities are easier to spot than figuring out someone's age.

He has probably heard the same BS story from many student's about how they are under 12. Too bad they spoil it for all those who really do need the compassion. I guess you got to draw the line somewhere though.

[AmberMoon]

anyway.... that was an example of the bus driver using his own discretion, too bad ur daughter didnt get the same treatment. It must be karma coming back to kick u in the rear end for whoring in the pepsi contest. :twisted: justice is served.

DOH!!!!!!!!!! To tell you the truth since i won those TVs i have won diddlysquat since, I hope a big win is right around the corner because not winning stinks :P

[JAGpilot]

There is no such thing as a "kid" fare. It's either Child, Student/Senior or Adult. She can get a form from her school to get a TTC ID and then buy and use Student fare tickets/$1.85. Without the ID she cannot use the Student fare system. If your daughter is able to take the subway she can go on her own. The photo ID centre is right before the fare collector booths in Sherbourne station. She will have to pay to get back on the subway after having the photo taken as it is beyond the "exit" of the subway system.