Student Transport
The Victorian Government provides a range of transport support for students attending schools in rural and regional Victoria. An extensive school bus network operates across the state, carrying some 73,000 students daily on approximately 1,600 routes. In addition, a further 41,000 students who are unable to access these school bus services receive support through conveyance allowances. These are available for public transport (fares refundable) as well as private car and private bus (payment of distance-based rates).
Students attending schools outside metropolitan Melbourne may be eligible for transport support if they reside more than 4.8 kilometres from their nearest government or non-government school.
In many locations there are sufficient numbers of eligible students to warrant the provision of free school bus services. Eligible government school students are able to access these services at any time. Eligible non-government school students may access the services where spare seats are available. Once allocated a seat, these students can then travel for the duration of their schooling.
Conveyance Allowance
In some locations, students are unable to access free school buses. In these instances, students may receive a conveyance allowance to assist with travel costs. Allowances are available for public transport, private car and private bus.
Application forms, rates of payment and closing dates are available from the student’s school. Completed forms are lodged at that school.
Fare Paying Travel on School Buses
Some students may seek to travel on school buses to schools other than their nearest. This can only occur when there are spare seats on the required bus service and a fare is paid. Approval must be obtained from the appropriate Regional Director and is only available for one term at a time.
Next Nearest School
Students eligible for a conveyance allowance or free bus travel to their nearest government school may be eligible for limited transport support if they wish to attend their next nearest government school. This support includes access to subsidised fares for school bus or public transport, or a reduced allowance for private car.
Special Circumstances
In some circumstances, Departmental Regional Directors can approve travel to schools other than the nearest. Such circumstances include access to a course of study at Years 11 and 12, special enrolment and placement practices, or attendance at an approved accelerated learning program.
Travel to Special Settings
Students attending special schools or special developmental schools may be eligible for transport support, normally by bus or through a conveyance allowance. This support is available in Melbourne and across rural and regional Victoria. To be eligible for travel support, students must attend the special setting within their designated transport area. Further information is available from the principal of the school these children attend.
Public Transport Concessions
All students under the age of fifteen years can travel at a concession rate, while all students fifteen and over must hold a concession card in order to travel at a concession rate.
Application forms are available from schools, staffed train stations, selected bus depots, and online at Metlink (http://www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au/fares_tickets/concessions)
For more information, call 131 638.
Application Forms and Enquiry Contacts
Applications for travel support and fare paying travel should be made to the principal of the school at which the student is enrolled. Further information may be obtained from the principal or school bus coordinator, or from Departmental regional offices.