School transport
Primary and high school students—who have a student concession card, or are in school uniform—can use student fares on public transport. Transport assistance schemes exist to help students whose access to a school is impeded by distance, disability or financial disadvantage. There are 3 transport schemes, which are outlined below.
Transport assistance schemes
In Queensland, there are 3 school transport assistance schemes for eligible students. Each scheme has specific eligibility criteria, outlined below.
School Transport Assistance Scheme
The School Transport Assistance Scheme (STAS) provides help for all students (state and non-state) to cover travel costs to the nearest state school. Four types of assistance are available for students under STAS:
- rail transport
- bus transport
- conveyance allowance (for parents who, due to distance, must organise private transport to school or to a transport service)
- help for isolated students.
The scheme is provided by the Department of Transport and Main Roads.
Non-State Schools Transport Assistance Scheme
The Non-State Schools Transport Assistance Scheme (NSSTAS) provides eligible students attending non-state schools assistance with travel costs. NSSTAS consists of 2 programs:
- Bus Fare Assistance Program (BFAP)—assists families with bus or ferry fare costs when the child attends a non-state school outside the Brisbane City Council boundary.
- Students with Disability (SWD) Travel Assistance Program—assists families with costs when transporting their child with a disability to a non-state school within Queensland.
This scheme is administered by Catholic Education Queensland Limited on behalf of all non-state schools.
School Transport Assistance Program for SWD
The School Transport Assistance Program for SWD provides eligible state school students with a disability transport assistance to and from the school.
Three types of transport assistance (conditions apply) are considered in an assessment process:
- Conveyance—an allowance paid to parents for privately arranging transport.
- Category 1—passes for public transport (bus/rail/ferry).
- Category 2—specially contracted taxi or minibus services.
The program is provided by the Department of Education.