Families across South East Queensland are encouraged to plan students’ back-to-school journeys ahead of Term 1 to ensure a stress-free start to the year.
Whether catching a dedicated school bus or a bus, train, ferry or tram on our regular public transport network, students, parents and guardians are urged to familiarise themselves with their journey to school early in the new year to avoid any last-minute confusion during what is expected to be a busy time.
In preparation for the new school year, the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) has worked with bus operators to introduce new and improved school bus services and a number of route changes across the network.
These updates include 14 new school routes, 232 route modifications and five route removals, to better meet community needs.
New school bus services have been introduced in new residential areas and expanded in areas experiencing population growth. In addition to improving access to bus services, the changes help to address reliability, safety, and overcrowding.
Some changes are a result of new school bell times or changes to the road network. Other changes have been made in response to requests from students, schools, and communities regarding their services.
Families plan their journey in advance by visiting Translink’s school service finder and journey planner and via local bus operators’ websites.
Several ticket options are available for primary and secondary school students, including the School Transport Assistance Scheme (STAS) and go cards.
For students who catch public transport to school, the Queensland Government’s permanent 50 cent fares initiative means they can travel for just 50 cents on the Translink network – no matter how far they travel or how they pay.
Additional tips for students and their families to ensure a smooth transition back to school include:
- Buying/checking the validity of travel cards or go cards and considering auto top-up;
- Familiarising themselves with local public transport stops, stations, and services;
- Claiming School Transport Assistance Scheme (STAS) if applicable; and
- Checking out Translink’s safe school travel tips.
With changing weather conditions common across the State this time of year, families are encouraged to keep up-to-date with any disruptions to services via the Translink website.
More information about school travel is available on the Translink website, via the Translink app or by calling 13 12 30.
For schools or routes not listed in journey planner, contact your local bus operator, for which other fares may apply.