About the School Student Transport Scheme

The School Student Transport Scheme (SSTS) provides eligible school students with free or subsidised travel from home to school.

The scheme includes:

• Free travel to and from home and school on approved train, bus, ferry and light rail services during school term.
• Discounted travel on buses between home and school with a School Term Bus Pass.
• Free travel on NSW TrainLink Regional services and long distance coach services for boarding school students.
• Subsidised travel to and from school in private vehicles in areas where there is no public transport available.

Students with a disability who are unable to travel to and from school under the School Student Transport Scheme may be eligible for assistance under the Department of Education Assisted School Travel Program .

How to apply

If you are ready to apply now, click here.

Code of conduct for school students on buses

It is every student's responsibility to behave in a manner that ensures the safety and comfort of passengers and drivers. This includes:

Behaviour on buses

• Use appropriate language not offensive or racist language

• Fighting, spitting, feet on seats, throwing things in or from the bus is not permitted

• No eating or drinking (other than water) - unless for medical reasons or the bus operator gives written permission.

• Offer seats to adults including people with a disability, elderly or expectant mothers

• Do not push or shove other people

• Do not bully or harass other passengers or the driver

• Avoid attracting the attention of the driver except in the case of emergency

• Do not play music at such volume that it may distract the bus driver or other passengers.

Safety on and near buses

• Obey reasonable directions from the driver (e.g. where to sit or to remain in the bus)

• Remain in your seat - do not move around the bus unnecessarily

• If standing, remain behind the front passenger seat and keep a secure hand hold at all times

• Keep bags and other items clear of the aisle

• Do not allow any part of your body to protrude out of the bus at any time

• Wait for the bus in a quiet and orderly manner - including at bus interchanges

• Stand away from the roadside until the bus comes to a complete stop

• Allow other passengers to leave the bus before stepping onto the bus in a single line

• Wait until the bus stops before moving to get off the bus at your designated stop

• Cross the road where and when it's safe to do so, use crossings/traffic lights where available.

Legal considerations on buses

• Wear the seat belt properly adjusted and fastened, if one is available

• Obey the law that bans smoking on buses

• Ensure that buses are not vandalised - report any damage, e.g. graffiti and window etching, to the driver

• Do not interfere with bus property, equipment and signage

• Do not leave rubbish on the bus, or at bus stops or interchanges.

Using bus passes:

• Show travel passes or tickets to the driver on boarding and to Authorised Revenue Protection Officers, NSW

• Police Officers or bus company representative when requested

• Use the travel pass only for its intended purpose - do not lend your pass to other students or borrow a pass from them

• Swipe or 'dip' passes in ticket readers if available when boarding

• If issued with a School Opal card, always tap on when boarding and tap off when leaving the bus.

Disobeying these rules may lead to the withdrawal of bus travel passes, banning students from travelling on buses and/or police prosecution and court action.