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School Term Bus Pass

Students in Sydney and surrounds can buy a School Term Bus Pass for discounted bus travel between home and school.

Who can buy a School Term Bus Pass

If the student does not qualify for free school travel, you may be able to buy a School Term Bus Pass.

The student must be:

  • a resident of NSW, or an overseas student eligible for free government education.
  • aged 4 years 6 months or older. Pre-school children are not eligible.
  • living within the minimum distance from the school as detailed below.

Minimum distance

Students who live beyond the following distances from their school are eligible for free school travel.

If you live within these distances, you can buy a School Term Bus Pass if you meet all the conditions.

Eligibility by school year:

The minimum distance varies according to the student's grade for that calendar year.

You are able to buy a School Term Bus Pass for a:

  • Year 3 to Year 6 student if the straight line distance from their home address to school is less than 1.6 kilometres.
  • Year 7 to Year 12 student if the straight line distance from their home address to school is less than 2 kilometres.

TAFE Students are not eligible to buy a School Term Bus Pass.

If your application for free school travel has been rejected for reasons other than distance, you cannot apply for a School Term Bus Pass. You can get a Child/Youth Opal card.

Students in rural/regional areas

Contact your local bus operator to see if a school bus pass is available and which pass will be issued.

Before you apply

Applications for next year open during Term 4 this year.

You only need to apply if you are:

  • applying for a School Term Bus Pass for the first time, or
  • requesting an additional School Term Bus Pass due to parents living separately

Pass costs and validity

  • The current cost is $55 (including GST) per term. Price is correct at the time of publication and is subject to change.
  • You can buy a pass for one or more terms in the school year.
  • A School Term Bus Pass is valid for travel between home and school on school days only, via the most direct route. It is only valid for one bus operator.

Before starting the online form

  • You will need a valid email address.
  • Completed the form in one session. You cannot save a partly completed form.
  • If you're under 16 years of age, a parent or legal guardian must submit the application.
  • If you're 16 years or older you need to complete and submit the application form.

After you apply

You will receive an email with the outcome of the application. If the application is successful:

  • Travel for the number of terms purchased will be loaded onto a School Opal card and sent to your home address.
  • You will receive your School Term Bus Pass in approximately 8-10 working days.

More actions

See also