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 hindered by distance, disability or cost.
School transport assistance schemes
There are 3 types of transport assistance schemes:
- School Transport Assistance Scheme (STAS)—provides help for all students (state and non-state) to cover travel costs to the nearest state school.
- Non-Government Schools Transport Assistance Scheme (NGSTAS)—helps cover the shortfall where non-state school students travel to their school of choice.
- School Transport Assistance Program for Students with Disabilities—provides help for parents to get children with disability to and from school.
School Transport Assistance Scheme
Four types of assistance are available for students under the School Transport Assistance Scheme (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.
Students may be eligible for the School Transport Assistance Scheme (STAS) if they:
- have parents/guardians who are Queensland residents
- attend an approved school on a full-time basis
- are younger than 19
- are seeking transport help to and from 1 address only
- are travelling more than 1 trip per week.
This scheme is provided by the Department of Transport and Main Roads.
Non-Government Schools Transport Assistance Scheme
The Non-Government Schools Transport Assistance Scheme (NGSTAS) consists of 2 programs:
- Bus Fare Assistance Program—help for families whose children attend non-state schools outside the Brisbane City Council boundary.
- Students with Disabilities Transport Assistance Program—helps families with the cost of transporting students with disability to non-state schools.
This scheme is administered by the Queensland Catholic Education Commission on behalf of all non-state schools.
School Transport Assistance Program for Students with Disabilities
The School Transport Assistance Program for Students with Disabilities provides help for parents to get children with disability to and from school.
See eligibility criteria and how to apply.
Student concessions on public transport
TransLink
TransLink provides a single public transport network covering South East Queensland on buses, trains and ferries. Tickets and go cards can be used on all TransLink school services. Students must carry valid identification to receive a concession fare.
Read about TransLink student concessions and service areas.
Queensland Rail
Queensland Rail offer discounted passes for primary and high school students travelling to and from school. School rail passes may cover single or return travel for a semester or a whole year. Passes are only used for travel on Queensland rail services and are not for any other bus, rail or ferry services.
Read about Queensland Rail school passes.
Other transport operators
Local bus operators will offer student concessions based on the Transport and Main Roads concession policy. Contact your local bus operator for more details:
