School Bus & City Transit Cancellations: USA and Canada (March 13, 2026)

| | Bus Cancellation | No Comments

  • Canada: A powerful late-season winter storm is moving through Eastern Ontario and Quebec today, Friday, March 13, 2026. Freezing rain and ice pellets have triggered widespread “Buses Cancelled, Schools Open” notices across the Ottawa Valley and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Meanwhile, in Atlantic Canada, many students in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick have a scheduled day off for assessment and report card processing, though lingering icy patches on secondary roads remain a concern for those with classes.

  • USA: The Northeast and Midwest are largely operational, though “Refreeze Hazards” from overnight melting are causing 15–20 minute delays in suburban Pennsylvania and New York. In Boston, major transit diversions continue as the MBTA executes critical signal upgrades, forcing heavy reliance on shuttle buses. Chicago commuters should also note planned boarding changes on the Blue Line that may impact morning arrival times.

Note: A major update regarding the rise of autonomous vehicle “stop-arm” violations and massive new fines was released today—see the News & Announcements section below.

🇺🇸 USA Status Table

Agency/District State Status
MTA (NYC) NY Normal: Subway and Bus service running on schedule; minor Metro-North delays.
SEPTA PA Alert: Fox Chase Line replaced by shuttle buses for rail work; expect +20 min delays.
MBTA (Boston) MA Major Alert: Suspended service between North Station and Anderson/Woburn. Shuttles active.
CTA (Chicago) IL Modified: Blue Line boarding changes between Damen and Clark/Lake; minor gaps expected.
Hudson Valley NY Snow Routes Active: Select rural districts staying on main salted roads due to black ice.
Lehigh Valley PA Operational: Full service, though 15-min delays reported in shaded hilly zones.

🇨🇦 Canada Status Table

Consortium/Agency Province Status
STS Toronto (TDSB) ON Buses Cancelled, Schools Open: Icy conditions; families must self-transport.
Ottawa (OCDSB/OCSB) ON Buses Cancelled, Schools Open: Freezing rain warning in effect for the region.
Durham (DSTS) ON Operational: Most routes running, but 10+ individual route delays reported.
Peel (STOPR) ON Buses Cancelled, Schools Open: All zones suspended due to ice accretion.
Halifax (HRCE) NS No Classes: Assessment & Evaluation Day for Elem/Middle/Jr schools.
Anglophone North/West NB No Classes (K-8): Report Card Writing Day; High Schools remain open.
STM (Montreal) QC Normal: Metro system operational; bus delays due to slush and freezing rain.

📢 Important News & Announcements

  • Autonomous Vehicle Violations: Reports from Austin and other tech hubs show a spike in robotaxis illegally passing stopped school buses. New “stop-arm” enforcement pathways are being fast-tracked to hold autonomous fleet operators liable for these dangerous infractions.

  • New York Penalty Hike: As of late February, New York has expanded its “lookback” period for driver points to 24 months. Passing a school bus now carries much heavier weight, threatening more immediate license suspensions for repeat offenders.

  • Staffing Shortages: Despite aggressive “rolling billboard” hiring campaigns, national driver shortages remain at approximately 9.5%. Some districts are trialing “Rotating Bus Holidays” to manage the lack of backup personnel.

  • App Tracking Milestone: The BusPlanner and Here Comes The Bus apps have seen a 40% increase in adoption this month, as parents pivot to real-time GPS data to avoid waiting outside during unpredictable March ice storms.

Counting down to Spring Break? Why stop there? 🏁 We’ve reached the final stretch of the 2025–2026 school year. Whether you’re a senior eyeing graduation or a teacher ready for a break, use our tool below to get your personalized countdown. Just select your state to see the 'Days Remaining' status for your region.

❄️ Safety Section: Waiting at the Stop

With “Black Ice” and freezing rain dominating the morning forecast, keep these safety tips in mind:

  1. The 10-Foot Buffer: Stand at least 10 feet (3 meters) back from the curb. Buses can easily slide or “fishtail” on icy patches when attempting to stop.

  2. The “Penguin Walk”: When boarding, use the handrails and walk flat-footed. Metal bus steps are often the first place “clear ice” forms, making them extremely slippery.

  3. Stay Dry & Visible: At 32°F (0°C), wet clothing is more dangerous than dry clothing at 0°F (-18°C). Wear waterproof outer layers and reflective gear to remain visible through fog and freezing rain.


fb-share-icon
Tweet
Tags:

School Closings and Delays for Tomorrow

Check it!
X