Frequently asked questions about SSTS

Loss of travel pass

If your travel pass is lost or stolen, you should apply for a replacement from the transport provider concerned (the bus operator oe CityRail). A fee will be charged. Students must pay the fare until a new pass is issued.

Why students must use the same modes of travel for trips to and from school

Under the current arrangements, payments are based on the return fare, five days per week for the one operator. Generally the current system does not allow for operators to be paid a part subsidy.

Why students can't board or disembark at different locations

Payments to transport operators are based specifically on travel between the student's home and school and not to or from other places such as after school care or a grandparent's home. Under current arrangements, the Scheme does not fund travel for multiple destinations, except by eligible students whose separated parents have dual custody (see question below).

Subsidised travel from both parents' addresses

If separated parents have dual custody, the child is eligible for subsidised travel from both addresses subject to the normal eligibility criteria. A copy of the Family Law Court ruling should be forwarded to the nearest Transport for NSW regional office for assessment. If the matter has not gone to the Family Law Court, a statutory declaration from each parent that specifies time share arrangements for the child residing at both addresses should be submitted. Applications for subsidised travel for Friday afternoons and Monday mornings only (to cover weekend access visits) are not eligible under the scheme.

Why the bus pass can't be used to attend sporting/excursions/work experience during school time

The scheme only provides for travel between a student's residence and the school attended. There is no provision under the scheme to fund student transport for any other purpose or to or from any other location. Students who are travelling from locations other than between home and school are entitled to travel at the normal concession fare.

Payments

Payments are made twice a year after the completion of the semester and are based on advice from the school on the number of days that students attended for the semester. Payment is based on the distance between home and the point at which the private conveyance terminates (the school, bus pick-up point or railway station).