The Department has recently completed a review of student bus fares as part of the Core Passenger Services Review. This review has recommended a number of changes to student fares to address inconsistencies and to improve the equity of fares across Tasmania.

While some students pay fares, others making similar journeys travel on free buses to the same school. This means that bus fares will be changing for some students in Tasmania. The new fare structure will be implemented from 1 July 2008.

Click here for a copy of the information brochure  (279KB)

The changes mean that…

• Students using similar services will pay similar fares.
• All students who meet the criteria for the Student Bus Pass for Free Travel will continue to travel free to and from school.
• Student fares will apply on all buses at all times, and not just going to and from school.
  
  
• Student Fares
• What is defined as an urban area?
• Changes to fares - listed by school
• Public Information Sessions
• If you need to catch 2 buses
• Age limits for Student Fares
• New Tertiary Student Fare
• Student Bus Passes for Free Travel
• How to apply for a Student Bus Pass for Free Travel or free Transfer Pass
• Bus Operator Guidelines
• Frequently Asked Questions
  

Student Fares

The student fares depend on where you are travelling to and from.

Click here to view Urban Area Maps

Students travelling within an urban area will pay:

• $1.20 for a single trip from 1 July 2008
• $9.60 for a 10-ride ticket from 1 July 2008

For example, this fare will apply to students who travel to school within urban areas such as Kingston to Hobart or Youngtown to Newstead.

Students travelling into, or out of, an urban area will pay:

• 30 cents per trip from 1 July 2008
• 60 cents per trip from 2009
• 75% of the Metro student fare from 2010

For example, this fare will apply to students who travel from Westbury to Launceston.

Students who travel outside of an urban area to their local school:

• These students will continue to receive free travel.

For example, students travelling from Avoca to Campbell Town.

Students who travel outside of an urban area and either use a town bus service, or travel beyond their local high school will pay:

• 30 cents per trip from 1 July 2008
• 60 cents per trip from 2009
• 75% of the Metro student fare from 2010

For example, this fare will apply to students travelling within Smithton using their town bus service or students travelling from Dover to Cygnet bypassing their local school.

What is defined as an urban area?

There are 4 urban areas as defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics in Tasmania. These areas determine the amount of school bus fare to be paid.

To find out if you will be travelling within or outside an urban area, Click here to view Urban Area Maps.

Changes to fares - listed by school

This site allows you to find the changes in bus fares in relation to each school in Tasmania. This includes State Government, Catholic and Independent schools. Click here to view schools.

Public Information Sessions

Information sessions were held around the State in May and June 2008 for anyone who wanted to speak to a member of the project team with any concern, questions, clarifications or comments about the 1 July changes to student bus fares. These are now complete and no further sessions are planned at this stage. If you would like to request an information session please email cpsreview@dier.tas.gov.au. 

Click here to find out where and when the sessions were held. 

If you need to catch 2 buses

Students required to catch more than one fare paying bus service to travel to or from school are eligible for a free Transfer Pass. 

Age limits for Student Fares

Full-time Senior Secondary College, Australian Technical College, University and TAFE students will pay the new student fare up to, and including the school year in which they turn 18.

New Tertiary Student Fare

A new fare is being introduced for full-time students aged 19 years and over attending:

• TAFE
• University
• the Australian Maritime College
• the Australian Technical College  
• Senior Secondary College

The new tertiary student fare will be the standard adult concession fare, which is up to 50% of the full fare.

Click here for a copy of the information brochure  (27KB) 

Student Bus Passes for Free Travel

A student is eligible for a Student Bus Pass for Free Travel to and from their school up to, and including the year in which they turn 18 years of age. They must also be attending full time classes at a recognised:

• Primary or secondary school
• Senior secondary college
• Special education facility
• TAFE college
• Australian Technical College
• University

AND is:

Listed as a dependent of a person holding a current concession card, or holds a concession card in their own right, or

• The third and subsequent student in any family where there are three or more students travelling to a recognised school by bus on a fare charging service, or
• A student under a care and protection order.

A concession card means:

• a Pensioner Concession Card,
• a Veterans? Affairs Pensioner Concession Card, or
• a Health Care Card.

How to apply for a Student Bus Pass for Free Travel or free Transfer Pass.

Students can apply online by going to Student Bus Pass Online Application System

Students unable to apply online can get a paper application from any Service Tasmania shop.

Bus Operator Guidelines

For bus operator guidelines go to Operator Information or Operator Forms.

Frequently Asked Questions

For answers to commonly asked questions in relation to the new student fares, click here.

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