School bus routes have been cancelled in Ottawa's west and central parts. Ottawa's two English-language school boards are short 20 drivers, affecting about 80 routes, according to an update Friday.

About 14 drivers are undergoing training or awaiting licences from the provincial Ministry of Transportation, according to the Ottawa School Transportation Authority (OSTA), which serves the Ottawa-Carleton and Ottawa Catholic school boards.

The driver shortage accounts for about 1.8 per cent of all OSTA services. The routes that have been cancelled are posted on the OSTA website.

Last year, 7,500 families learned their children would be without buses due to a shortage of 130 drivers. Parents are advised to find alternative transportation or use transit vouchers.

Yana B