Why the other options are wrong:

• changes to school start times across the region.: The report does not discuss changes to school start times.
• new safety rules for school buses in Ottawa.: The story is about driver shortages, not new safety rules for school buses.
• parents protesting school transportation fees.: Parents are not protesting transportation fees in this report.

Correct Answer: in suburban parts of the region.

Why this is correct: The transcript says routes were cancelled or combined mostly in suburban areas such as Barrhaven, Orleans, and Kanata. These are suburban parts of the Ottawa region.

Why the other options are wrong:

• near the Quebec provincial border.: The Quebec border area is not mentioned in the report.
• in rural communities outside Ottawa.: The affected areas are suburban, not rural communities outside Ottawa.
• in the downtown core of the city.: The downtown core is not mentioned as an affected area.

Correct Answer: several drivers retired or moved to other jobs.

Why this is correct: The transcript explains that shortages began in early September when several drivers retired or moved to other jobs, and fewer new drivers applied than expected. This is the direct cause of the shortage.

Why the other options are wrong:

• road construction blocked key suburban routes.: Road construction is not mentioned as a cause of the driver shortage.
• transportation funding was recently reduced.: Reduced transportation funding is not given as a reason.
• new safety inspections delayed bus operations.: New safety inspections delaying operations are not mentioned.

Correct Answer: training new drivers to address the shortage.

Why this is correct: General manager Mark Dupuis said training programmes are already under way and twelve new drivers are expected to be on the road by mid-October. He is focused on training new drivers to fix the shortage.

Why the other options are wrong:

• accepting that the problem will last all year.: Dupuis said the situation is temporary, not that it will last all year.
• planning further reductions to bus routes.: He is not planning further route reductions - he is working to solve the problem.
• asking parents to arrange permanent alternatives.: He is not asking parents to arrange permanent alternatives.

Correct Answer: service may improve once new drivers are licensed.

Why this is correct: The report says new drivers are being trained and should be on the road by mid-October. An update on route availability is expected next month after drivers complete licensing. This suggests service will get better once the new drivers start working.

Why the other options are wrong:

• disruptions will worsen during the winter months.: The report does not suggest disruptions will get worse in winter.
• most affected routes will be cancelled permanently.: There is no mention of routes being cancelled permanently.
• schools will rely entirely on public transit.: The report does not say schools will rely entirely on public transit.