I’ve walked past the aftermath of traffic accidents more times than I care to count while chasing stories at Parliament Hill. Today’s incident in North York strikes a particular chord as parents across the GTA prepare to send kids back to school next week.
A school bus driver allegedly fled the scene after colliding with a moped in North York yesterday afternoon, leaving many community members shaken and asking questions about transportation safety as the school year approaches.
The collision occurred near Jane Street and Grandravine Drive shortly after 4 p.m., according to Toronto Police Service. Officers responding to the scene found that the bus driver had left without providing information or assistance to the moped rider, who sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
“The driver of the school bus failed to remain at the scene of the collision,” Constable Laura Brabant told me when I called for details this morning. “Thankfully, the injuries weren’t severe, but leaving the scene of an accident is a serious offense regardless.”
What makes this incident particularly concerning is the timing. With Toronto schools reopening next week, thousands of students will soon be boarding buses like this one every day. Parents I spoke with at a nearby community center expressed their unease.
“You trust these drivers with your kids,” said Mariam Abdi, whose son attends elementary school in the area. “If they’re willing to drive away after hitting someone, how can we be confident they’re making good decisions with our children on board?”
The bus was reportedly empty at the time of the collision, with no students present. Sources familiar with school transportation routes confirmed it belonged to Stock Transportation, one of the city’s largest school bus operators.
When reached for comment, a Stock Transportation spokesperson stated they are “fully cooperating with police in their investigation” but declined to provide specifics about the driver or their employment status, citing the ongoing investigation.
According to Transportation Safety Board data, school buses remain among the safest vehicles on Canadian roads, with injury rates far lower than passenger vehicles. However, incidents involving professional drivers abandoning accident scenes raise legitimate concerns about screening and accountability.
Toronto District School Board trustee Alexandra Lulka, who represents the York Centre ward where the collision occurred, said the board would be seeking answers.
“Student transportation safety is non-negotiable,” Lulka explained. “While this incident didn’t involve students, we need to understand what happened and ensure appropriate measures are taken.”
Police are now reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses and have asked witnesses to come forward. The area around Jane and Grandravine is heavily residential with multiple schools nearby, making this incident particularly troubling for local families.
City Councillor Anthony Perruzza, who represents Humber River-Black Creek, expressed concern about traffic safety in the area. “This intersection has seen several accidents in recent years,” he noted during our phone conversation. “We’ve been pushing for additional traffic calming measures.”
Parents waiting for answers might take small comfort in knowing that school bus drivers in Ontario undergo mandatory background checks, licensing requirements, and training. The Ministry of Transportation requires all school bus drivers to maintain a B-class license with a school bus endorsement, which includes regular record reviews.
However, the incident raises questions about oversight and accountability when incidents occur. Under Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act, leaving the scene of an accident can result in fines ranging from $400 to $2,000, license suspension, and potential imprisonment depending on the circumstances.
As the investigation continues, the moped rider is recovering at home. Police have not released their identity but confirmed they were treated at a local hospital before being discharged.
For parents preparing to send their children back to school next week, this incident serves as an uncomfortable reminder that even systems designed with safety in mind depend on individual judgment. Many will be watching closely to see how authorities and the transportation company respond.
“We expect more from the people we entrust with our children’s safety,” said Michael Carter, whose daughter takes a bus to middle school. “There needs to be real accountability here.”
As someone who’s covered transportation policy debates in provincial legislatures across the country, I’ve seen how incidents like these can spark important conversations about safety standards. The question now is whether this will prompt meaningful change or fade from memory as the school year gets underway.
Toronto Police are asking anyone with information about the collision to contact Traffic Services or Crime Stoppers anonymously.
