28 Jun 2016
From 12 May 2016, applications for free school travel in rural and regional NSW will need to be completed online instead of using paper forms.
It's easier for schools and bus operators, as Transport NSW will now handle the application..
Who can apply?
To be eligible for free school travel, students may need to live a minimum distance from their school:
Years K-2 (Infants) - There is no minimum distance
Years 3-6 (Primary) - 1.6km straight line distance or 2.3km walking
Years 7-12 (Secondary) - 2.0km straight line distance or 2.0km walking
Who needs to apply?
A new application is only required if the student has never been approved for free school travel before.
However, you need to update student details online if the student:
- Is moving from Year 2 to Year 3
- Is moving from Year 6 to Year 7
- Is changing schools or campuses
- Is changing address
How to update your details
If the student has already been approved for school travel and their address, school or name changes, or the student is entering Years 3 or 7, you will need to update your details at: apps.transport.nsw.gov.au/updatedetails
How to apply for free travel for the first time
Step 1 Complete the online application form at Transport NSW, nominating your home address and which bus company or transport operator the student needs to travel between home and school.
Step 2 Print, sign and date the completed application, then return it to the student's school for endorsement.
Step 3 The school then sends the endorsed application to Transport for NSW. You will receive an email confirming the outcome of your application. If approved Transport for NSW will inform your local bus operator who may send a school travel pass (where applicable) to the student's school , or in some cases will contact you directly about travel arrangements.
How do I apply if I don't have internet access?
Call 131 500 for assistance with your application
How do I apply if the student is in a shared parenting situation and needs to travel from two addresses?
Each parent (or the student if aged 16 or over) needs to make a separate application for each address. The same eligibility criteria apply.