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What can OSBA provide?

Advocacy – OSBA is dedicated to arriving at solutions to serve the growing needs of the student transportation industry.

Business Development – improve operational efficiencies and develop new best practices.  Evaluate new business opportunities, potential growth and discover innovative strategies to enhance students' ride to school.

Connections – attend networking events, conferences and trade shows to expand business contact lists.  The membership directory is the primary resource available to key decision makers across the province.

Issue Management – rely on the OSBA to communicate important information that matters.  Receive updates on regulatory changes and practical advice from OSBA experts and consultants.

Leadership – OSBA is one of three associations involved in the only joint transportation event in Canada serving the entire bus transportation industry.  The Ontario Transportation Expo (OTE) offers valuable workshops and sessions, networking events, and trade show.  Visit www.ote.ca for more information. 

Partnerships – OSBA is a valued correspondent with the Ministry of Transportation and Ministry of Education, including partnering associations, committees and stakeholder groups.  Developing productive and cooperative partnerships contribute to effective and efficient operations. 

Relevance – OSBA supports all its members in the competitive world of school busing.

Resources – OSBA provides a greater understanding through research, analysis, instruction and training to help members compete within a changing environment.

Training and Education  – Receive training on the latest industry developments at annual conferences in the Spring and Fall and during select times of the year.

Website  – www.osba.on.ca is a reliable resource available to members around the clock.  Download archive newsletters, presentations, position papers and other documentation.  Access the membership directory, calendar of events and the latest news items.

What has OSBA done lately?

OSBA continues to actively monitor the competitive procurement implementation process to provide continuing analysis to the Ministry of Education and the Fairness Commissioner.  Our goal remains to shape the VOR/RFP process to lessen its negative impact on the school bus industry.  Procurement training is being provided to operators through funding from the Ministry of Education. 

OSBA continues to ensure appropriate provincial funding for school bus transportation services.

OSBA regularly meets with the Ministry of Transportation to discuss issues affecting business and service delivery.  Most recent issues include vehicle licensing, daily trip inspections, annual and semi-annual vehicle inspection requirements, physically disabled passenger vehicles (Reg. 629), the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), importation of pre-owned school buses, CSA D-250-07 standards, re-licensing requirements, non-human cargo restrictions, handheld electronic device ban, HTA child restraints and harnesses, driver hours of service, seat belts on school buses, MTO enforcement and facility audits, and issues surrounding criminal record checks.

 

Expect to see the following in 2011:

a)      OSBA operator member and employee discount cards.  Employees will see immediate savings on a number of consumable products.  

b)      Increase focus on promoting the school bus industry’s exceptional safety standards.

c)      Strengthening OSBA engagement with members across the province through i.e. online surveys, town hall meetings, and evaluation forms.

 

Why OSBA?

In joining the OSBA you will become part of a united provincial network, dedicated to an economically healthy and sustainable industry, safely and reliably serving the growing needs of student transportation in Ontario.  We continue to work beside provincial government agencies and representatives, school business officials, partnering associations and organizations to enhance your business investment.  We have their attention; we now require yours.  Membership categories and rates are below.

 

Who is eligible to join?

Our members are committed to student success, efficient operations and safe, secure, on-time transportation.  Responsible for safely transporting 800,000 Ontario children to and from school every day, the school bus industry maintains an incredible safety record sanctioned by Transport Canada.  Included below are the different types of membership available and specifications for each category.

 

Types of Membership:

School Bus Operator – any private sector sole proprietorship, partnership or corporation, being a duly and properly licensed operator of a school bus(es) or school purpose vehicle(s) with Ministry of Transportation inspection stickers driven by qualified drivers with a valid class B or E driver’s licence, and in possession of a valid contract(s) to provide regular home to school transportation to schools with programs recognized by the Ministry of Education in Ontario.

School Board/Consortium – Any person managing a school district transportation department with programs recognized by the Ministry of Education in Ontario.

Supplier – Any supplier and other firms, corporations or associations having dealings existing or potential of a general nature with the Operating Members of the Association.

Manufacturer/Distributor – Any manufacturer/distributor of school buses.

Social – Any person who is no longer associated with the industry.

Honourary – Any person who is no longer associated with the industry and who has rendered valuable service to the Association and is awarded Honourary Membership by the Board of Directors.

 

Membership Rates:

 

Member Category	Fee Structure	Annual Fee
School Bus Operator	Depends on fleet size	$200.00+
School Board/Consortium	Depends on consortium size	$525.00+
Supplier	Base rate	$650.00
Bus Manufacturer/Distributor	Base rate	$5000.00
Social	Administration fee	$250.00
Honourary	None	N/A

*HST not included in the fee structure above.  All membership fees will be subject to HST.

How do I become a member?

We are committed to continuous improvement and shaping the future of the school bus industry.  Ensure successful service delivery and efficient operations by joining the discussion.

View membership application forms

Please note: You must be a registered member of the OSBA before you can join the exclusive online network.