School transport
A$35 million funding for safer school buses in regional areas
The Queensland Government is providing A$35 million funding to replace older school buses in regional centres with new and safer models.
The replacement buses will have rollover protection, and vehicles that operate on defined steep and hazardous routes will also be fitted with seatbelts. Bus operators who choose to fit seatbelts will be offered a subsidy.
An estimated 500 older buses will be taken off school routes and replaced with safer buses. The Department of Transport and Main Roads will work with bus industry bodies to implement the expanded replacement program of school buses in provincial areas, with funding to start in July 2009.
School Transport Assistance Scheme (STAS)
The department administers the School Transport Assistance Scheme. This scheme is one of the largest assistance programs provided by the Queensland Government, and provides assistance to eligible students travelling to primary and secondary schools.
Further information on School Transport Assistance Scheme is available.
School Transport Assistance Program for students with disabilities
The Department of Education and Training provides transport assistance for students with disabilities where it is warranted by the needs of the individual student and by the circumstances of the family.
Details of the assistance available can be found on the Department of Education and Training website.
Guide for drivers of students with special needs
A Guide for Bus and Taxi Drivers of Students with Special Needs (PDF, 365 KB) — this booklet has been developed to assist drivers who transport students with special needs.
Non Government Schools Transport Assistance Scheme
Students attending non-state schools may be eligible for assistance under the Non Government Schools Transport Assistance Scheme which is administered by the Queensland Catholic Education Commission. For further information refer to the Non Government Schools Transport Assistance Scheme website* or phone +61 7 3336 9192a.
The Non Government Schools Transport Assistance Scheme comprises:
- The Bus Fare Assistance Program, which assists families with the cost of transporting their children on an approved bus service to non-state schools outside Brisbane.
- The Students with Disabilities Program.
Code of Conduct for school students travelling on buses
The Code of Conduct is a set of behavioural guidelines for students to follow when travelling on school buses.
It was developed by the department in consultation with the Department of Education and Training, the Queensland Police Service, bus industry groups, parent groups, principals' associations, unions and non-state school authorities.
A copy of the Code of Conduct for School Students Travelling on Buses is available.
Managing student behaviour on buses
Coping with students' behaviour on school runs is not easy. In partnership with the Department of Education and the Training, and the bus industry of Queensland, we have developed a training package for bus drivers on managing student behaviour.
Further information on the Managing student behaviour on buses package can be accessed on this site by navigating through the links on the left hand side of the screen.
School Bus Upgrade Scheme (SchoolBUS)
Funding is available to contracted school bus operators to replace buses under certain circumstances. Please refer to the relevant information statement for more information.
Contact a School Transport office
For more information on the School Transport Assistance Scheme, the Code Of Conduct For School Children Travelling On Buses or the School Bus Upgrade Scheme please visit TMR's contact us webpage for all School Transport office locations.
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aHigher rates apply from mobile phones and payphones. If calling outside of Queensland, STD rates will apply.
