2025-2026 School Year
- All eligible yellow bus applications and route change requests have been processed and will be effective on November 5, 2025. Please check PowerSchool on Friday, October 31, 2025, for updated bus schedules.
- Due to the ATA strike/lockout, which resulted in more than 50% of service days in October being missed, families will receive credits for yellow bus fees for October towards November.
- ETS Arc fees are non-refundable.
Edmonton Catholic Schools contracts with various Yellow School Carriers to ensure safe and efficient yellow bus service for more than 12,500 students every school day. As one of the largest school divisions in the province, ECSD recognizes the importance of reliable transportation in facilitating access to education for its students.
To ensure the utmost safety of students, the contracted carriers must adhere to rigorous standards and regulations. These requirements include driver qualifications, vehicle maintenance, safety inspections, and adherence to traffic rules and regulations. We work closely with contracted Yellow Bus Carriers to monitor and enforce these standards, ensuring that the transportation service is reliable and safe.
Important Resources
Transportation Services Contact Information
Hours: Monday to Friday 7 AM - 5 PM | Thursday 7 AM - 4 PM
Phone: 780-441-6078
Contracted Yellow Bus Carriers
Contracted Yellow Bus Carriers | |
|---|---|
Cunningham | 780-458-3255 |
First Student | 825-410-5980 |
Golden Arrow | 780-447-1538 |
Southland | 780-455-8222 |
Stock | 780-960-0753 |
Expanded Shuttle Service to J.H. Picard
We are excited to announce that starting in September 2025, high school shuttle service to J.H. Picard Catholic School is expanding! This service will now include new pick-up and drop-off locations for French Immersion students in Grades 10-12.
Shuttle Locations and Schedule
- Holy Cross Catholic Elementary/Junior High School: 7:50 AM
- St. John XXIII Catholic Elementary/Junior High School: 7:35 AM
- 97 St. & 157 Ave. (Eaux Claires Transit Centre): 7:30 AM
- 66 St. & 140 Ave. (near Londonderry Mall): 7:47 AM
The shuttles will return to Holy Cross, St. John XXIII, and the northside locations at approximately 4:00 PM. Ride times are estimated to range from 30 to 50 minutes each way. A monthly bus pass, costing $57, will be required.
Why Expand Shuttle Service?
This expansion reflects feedback from last year’s online questionnaire, where families shared that reliable transportation was a key factor in continuing French Immersion. By expanding shuttle service, we aim to make J.H. Picard Catholic School more accessible for families exploring high school options and making it easier for students to continue with French Immersion.
How to Apply
- Apply online starting Monday, February 3
- Applications close Friday, February 28
- Families will be notified by early March regarding the status of the service
- We require at least 12 students per bus to operate the service
Visit ecsd.net/apply-for-transportation to complete the application for the 2025-2026 school year.
Open House
Join us at J.H. Picard’s Open House on February 25 at 6:00 PM to learn more about the school and its programming. This is a great opportunity to see how J.H. Picard supports French Immersion students academically, socially, and culturally.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who can use the shuttle service?
The shuttle service is available for French Immersion students in Grades 10-12 attending J.H. Picard Catholic School. We are hoping the shuttle service will encourage more French Immersion students from Holy Cross and St. John XXIII to consider continuing with French Immersion at J.H. Picard.
What are the costs involved?
Students will need to purchase a bus pass, which costs $57 per month.
How long will the rides take?
Ride times are expected to range between 30 and 50 minutes each way, depending on the pick-up location.
What happens if fewer than 12 students register for a bus?
If fewer than 12 students register for a bus, that route will not operate. Families will be informed by early March if their shuttle service will proceed.
Where can I apply for the shuttle service?
Applications can be submitted online at ecsd.net/apply-for-transportation using the transportation application form for 2025-2026 school year.
When is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline is Friday, February 28, 2025.
Who do I contact for more information?
If you have additional questions, please contact J.H. Picard Catholic School directly.