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Apply for school transport assistance

A little preparation before you start your application will make filling out the online form a straightforward activity. We recommend you:

When ready find how to apply online.

If you don't have access to the internet or a computer check with your school or local library for access or you can complete a paper application for the type of assistance needed.

Overview of the application process

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Did you know you can now apply online for school transport assistance? One form using any device for up to 5 children. It's that simple and convenient. First check if you're eligible using the information on the school transport assistance webpage. Gather any information that you need to complete your application. Confirm the transport operators if your child is travelling by bus or ferry. Then accept the terms and conditions and start the online form.Don't worry if you can't complete the form all at once. You can save your details for up to 7 days. Once it's submitted you'll be given an ID number to keep track of your application. When it's been processed you'll be notified of the outcome. Our website has all the information you need. So let's get started. Visit www.qld.gov.au/schooltransportassistance

Terms and conditions

  • Applications are only accepted for the current school year.
    • Applications can be submitted for the next school year from 1st October.
  • Applications will only be accepted from a student's legal parent/guardian.
  • A shared care arrangement refers to a student who spends a number of nights at each legal parent/guardian's residential address.
  • Conveyance allowance for private travel is not available from a second address under shared care arrangements.
  • A new application is required when any of the following changes occur:
    • a student changes school or residential address during the year
    • the student's mode of transport or travel pattern changes (for example, frequency of travel or if there are changes to a student's shared care living arrangements)
    • the student moves from primary to secondary school.
  • Bus and ferry service providers may issue an interim travel approval.  Final approval for assistance is granted by the Department of Transport and Main Roads.
  • The Department of Transport and Main Roads will advise successful applicants in writing. Unsuccessful bus and ferry applicants will be advised by the service provider nominated in their application.
  • Students must abide by the Code of Conduct.

Types of assistance available in the online application

You can apply online for the following types of assistance:

  • Bus and ferry transport (including safety-net)
  • Rail transport (including G:Link)
  • Private transport (conveyance allowance)
  • Drought (additional conveyance allowance)
  • Students living in shared care arrangements

The following types of assistance aren't available online:

Eligibility

Students may be eligible for school transport assistance if they:

  • have parents/guardians who are residents of Queensland
  • are independent students who are residents of Queensland
  • attend an approved school or an alternative program approved by the Queensland Department of Education
  • are 18 or younger.

Students are not eligible to apply for school transport assistance if they are:

  • pre-prep and kindergarten students
  • mature age students
  • overseas, interstate and exchange students
  • TAFE students
  • distance education students
  • tertiary students.

Before you apply online

You can apply online for assistance for different modes of transport including train, bus, ferry, private transport, and travel with multiple school transport providers.

Before you start your online application:

  • watch the applying online for school transport assistance animation
  • read the terms and conditions and eligibility
  • Collect the relevant information you need, such as:
    • Pension, Healthcare or Department of Veterans Affairs concession card details for yourself and student/s (if applying for safety-net assistance)
    • your bank account details including BSB, account number and name, and bank address (if applying for conveyance allowance)
    • electronic document files to support claims for drought assistance and independent student status.
  • Work out the distance from your residence to the closest state school and attending school (if this is different to the closest state school).
  • Confirm the service provider/s if your child is travelling by bus or ferry.
  • During the application you will be asked to confirm you have read and understood the terms and conditions and eligibility requirements detailed on this page and the introduction to the online application. Penalties may apply for false information.

Your application:

  • You can save a draft of your application for a maximum of 7 days.
    • Keep a record of application ID and PIN to retrieve your application.
    • After 7 days your application will be discarded, and you will need to start a new application.
  • You can enter details for up to 5 children—a new online application is required for additional children.
  • You can apply for up to 2 bus and ferry service provider per child on the same application form—a third service provider will need a new application form.
  • If approved, you will need to fill out a new application if you have changes to the following:
    • residential address
    • school
    • mode of transport
    • frequency of travel
    • changes to a student's shared care living arrangements
    • or move from primary to secondary school.
  • Your service provider can let you know pick up and drop off points and times for the transport journey
  • The ability to print a completed application is not available on Apple mobile devices.

Apply online

Completed the preparation? You're ready to start and can use any computer, laptop or mobile device.

Apply now

Save and retrieve an application

You can save, exit and retrieve your application form to return and complete it at a later time.

Make sure you keep the following information to retrieve a saved application:

  • application ID
  • secure PIN
  • email you used in the application
  • surname of the applicant.

After you submit an application

You will receive confirmation of submission of your application by SMS or email, using the details you provided in the online form.

Your application will be assessed:

  • Successful notifications will be advised in writing by the Department of Transport and Main Roads.
  • Unsuccessful applications for bus and ferry will be advised by the service provider nominated in the application.

More information and help with your application

Your school transport service provider will also be able to provide you with information, contact your nearest local Translink regional office.

If you are experiencing technical problems with the online form you can contact the help desk at STASdigital.Helpdesk@tmr.qld.gov.au or on 1300 119 289.

Paper forms can be accessed on the Translink website, under the heading Types of assistance.

Last updated:
30 May 2023
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