THE SCHOOL STUDENT TRANSPORT SCHEME ELIGIBILITY
to be eligible for subsidised travel under the School Student Transport Scheme (SSTS)
students will:
- be a resident of NSW;
- be 4 years 6 months of age or older;
- be an infant student; i.e. attending Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2 classes,
irrespective of the distance from home to school
- be a primary student (Year 3-6), and reside more than 1.6 kilometres (radial distance)
from the school attended, measured on a radius from the centre of the school site, or 2.3
kilometres or more by the most direct practicable walking route to the nearest point of
physical entry to the school;
- be a secondary student (Year 7-12), and reside more than 2.0 kilometres (radial
distance) from the school attended, measured on a radius from the centre of the school
site, or 2.9 kilometres or more by the most direct practicable walking route to the
nearest point of physical entry to the school;
- be enrolled at a registered day school;
- be eligible for a free government education. Students who are not eligible for a free
government education are not eligible for subsidised travel.
HOW TO APPLY FOR FREE TRAVEL
Application forms are available from all schools or TAFE and must be completed by a
parent or guardian. TAFE students should complete and sign their own forms.
The completed form is then returned to the school or TAFE the student is enrolled at.
The schools will forward the application onto Fearnes Coaches who will assess that the
students meet the distance eligibility criteria.
If eligible, Fearnes Coaches will issue the student with a bus pass.
Conditions of travel are printed on the back of all passes.
NEW APPLICATIONS MUST BE COMPLETED WHEN A STUDENT...
- Enrols in Kindergarten,
- Progresses from Year 2 to 3,
- Progresses from Year 6 to 7,
- Changes name, address or school.
APPEALS PROCESS
Parents/guardians of students deemed ineligible by their school or local transport
operator may apply to the Department of Transport for a review of that decision.
Should the Department of Transport not approve subsidised travel and the applicant(s)
considers that there are special circumstances, such as safety and/or hardship issues
associated with their case, they may appeal the Ministry's decision. Appeals are heard by
an independent SSTS Appeals Panel, which considers each case on its individual merits.
USE OF PASS ISSUED TO ELIGIBLE STUDENTS
Students must abide by the Code of Conduct.
School travel is only available between home and school for school attendance and is
available on school days only.
Passes are to be used for only one forward and one return trip per school day.
Passes are not transferable and must be shown on demand.
Travel by bus is subject to the conditions laid down by the Department of Transport
governing the carriage of passengers on public transport.
No child will be denied travel in circumstances where they have lost or forgotten their
subsidised travel pass.
Journeys must commence and finish only at the points nominated on this application
without a break of journey.
CONDITIONS OF USE OF SUBSIDISED TRAVEL
You agree to the Department of Transport and its auditors contacting the school attended
to confirm the details provided in this application from time to time.
The Department of Transport reserves the right to withdraw subsidised travel:
- If investigation shows the student to be ineligible. Following notification to the
parent/guardian any issued pass must be surrendered to the school principal, or the bus
proprietor, and subsidised travel cease forthwith.
- Subject to breaches of the Code of Conduct and following notification to the school and
parents/guardians.
REPLACEMENT PASSES
Parents or guardians should apply for a replacement bus pass. Cost is $10.00.
Replacement passes can be purchased from our depot at 264 Hammond Ave during office hours
or by completing an application for replacement form (available from the driver) and
sending it with the $10.00 to Fearnes coaches via the driver.
TERM PASSES
Term passes are available for students who are not eligible for free travel. To
obtain a cost please call our office on 02 69212316 during office hours. Term passes can
be obtained from our office.
PRIVACY AND PERSONAL INFORMATION