Students across Logan and South East Queensland (SEQ) are being encouraged to plan their back-to-school journeys ahead of the introduction of new and improved bus services for Term 1, on 22 January 2024.
Translink has worked with 12 SEQ bus operators to deliver improvements to school services from the first day of the school year, including several new routes and changes to timetables.
Head of Translink, Peter Milward is urging students, parents and guardians to familiarise themselves with any changes to local Term 1 services by using Translink’s School Service Finder or Journey Planner or visiting local bus operator websites.
“As school bus services change from year to year, its important students plan ahead as they may be facing changes to how they used their services last year,” Mr Milward said.
“Knowing where and when you need to be to catch your bus helps ensure a stress free and safe transition back to school.”
Mr Milward said there are about 30 million school trips taken in SEQ throughout the school year, and safety and comfort of students is a priority for Translink and school bus operators.
“The number of students using school buses changes each year and we ask students to be patient as we monitor numbers for the first few weeks of the new year to ensure services are suitable for purpose.” he said.
Other important tips for students to ensure a smooth transition back to school include:
- buying or checking the validity of travel cards or go cards and considering auto top-up
- familiarising themselves with local public transport stops, stations and services,
- claiming their concessions, including the School Transport Assistance Scheme (STAS)
- checking out Translink’s safe school travel tips
Primary and secondary school students are eligible for concession fares at 50 per cent of an adult go card fare, while some may be entitled to additional fare assistance such as STAS.
Mr Milward reminded customers that SEQ buses are cashless and encouraged students in SEQ to buy a go card so they could benefit from easy and convenient travel.
“You can buy child go cards for students aged between five and 14 years and concession gocards for secondary students 15 or older,” he said.
“Registering your go card helps to protect the balance if it is lost or stolen. Auto top-up also ensures there is money available for travel. If you have a concession go card, ensure the expiry date matches the student ID.”
School bus operators running new school bus routes in 2024:
- CDC – Sunshine Coast
- Caboolture Bus Lines – Caboolture and Bribie Island
- Clarks Logan City – Logan and surrounds
- Hornibrook Bus Lines – North Lakes and surrounds
- Thompsons – North Lakes and Wavell
- Surfside (Kinetic) – Gold Coast
- Park Ridge Transit – Flagstone
- Transport for Brisbane – Forest Lake, Pallara and Stretton, Dutton Park, Holland Park/Camp Hill, Central and South Brisbane
- Transdev – Redlands
- Westside – Ipswich
More information about school travel is available on the Translink website, via the MyTranslink app or by calling 13 12 30.
