School transport running for essential workers

While Term 1 will now begin on Monday, 7 February for most students, new and existing school services will run as planned from Monday, 24 January, to ensure students who need to attend school can safely do so.

TransLink has worked with 11 SEQ operators to deliver a number of improvements to school services, including new routes in Brisbane, Logan, Ipswich and Bribie Island.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said almost 30 million school trips were expected to be taken throughout 2022.

“The safety and comfort of all students when travelling is a priority for us, which is why planning ahead and being prepared is important,” Mr Bailey said.

“Knowing where and when they need to be to catch their school bus will help immensely.”

Mr Bailey urged students, parents and guardians to use TransLink’s School Service Finder or Journey Planner or visiting local operator websites before the start of Term 1.

“TransLink’s School Service Finder is an easy and convenient way for parents and students to find the best journey to and from South East Queensland schools,” he said.

“It’s important for students to remember to be patient for the first few weeks of the school year, as the network is monitored and changes may need to be made to services where demand requires it.

“Masks are also mandatory on all public transport and we encourage students to social distance onboard where possible.

“We also recommend students and parents read our school travel tips on the TransLink website.”

Education Minister Grace Grace said these new and improved services will ensure students can travel to and from school safely and easily.

“It’s great to have these new routes up and running for the start of the 2022 school year,” Ms Grace said.

“I also encourage parents and carers to have a conversation with their children about travelling safely, including wearing a mask and socially distancing where possible.”  

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, and
• claiming their concessions, including the School Transport Assistance Scheme (STAS)

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 the School Transport Assistance Scheme.

Mr Bailey encouraged students in SEQ to buy a go card so they could benefit from fast, easy and convenient travel without cash or paper tickets.

“Go cards for students aged between five and 14 years and concession go cards for secondary students 15 or older are available at retailers as well as bus stops and train stations,” he said.

“If you have a go card, register it and set up auto top-up to protect the balance if it is lost or stolen. If you have a concession go card, ensure the expiry date matches the student ID.”

More information about school travel is available on the TransLink website, via the MyTransLink app or by calling 13 12 30.

A list of TransLink’s school service delivery partners is also available on the TransLink website.

2022 Term 1 School Service Changes:

Caboolture Bus Lines

• A new 7374PM service from Bribie Island State High School to the Sandstone Point area
• Improved coverage in the Ningi Waters estate
• Multiple route changes to provide safer boarding and exiting locations for students

CDC Sunshine Coast

• Minor route number changes, realignments and timing changes to improve safety, on time running, transfers and service coverage

Clarks Logan City

• A new afternoon service to provide additional capacity for students at Marsden State High School
• Changes to 4416AM to increase coverage within Crestmead area to Marsden State High School
• Changes to the 4412AM, 4413AM and 4414AM services to provide additional capacity for students from Rochedale State High School and Reedemer College.
• Diversion to 4429AM to better service Waterford West State School
• Multiple changes to the school services within Beenleigh area to improve capacity for students from Trinity College and Beenleigh State High School.

Hornibrook Bus Lines

• Change to route 6718PM to address customer requests

Kangaroo Bus Lines

• Multiple service changes to improve safety at Carmichael College

Park Ridge Transit

• New 6068AM and 6168PM services for students at the new Everleigh State Primary School
• Modify route 6152PM and 6153PM to improve capacity for students from Stretton State College

Surfside Bus Lines

• Changes to the 3054AM, 3326PM, 3418PM and 3482PM services to provide additional capacity for students at Keebra Park State High School, Pimpama State Secondary College and Southport, Ormeau and Pimpama State Schools
• New bus bays at Pimpama State Secondary College

Thompson Bus Services

• New 6815AM and 6815PM services to address overcrowding on routes 6812 and 6814, benefitting students at Eatons Hill State School and Albany Creek state primary and high schools
• A new 6808AM service for Strathpine West State School students
• Changes to existing services to increase coverage levels into new housing areas

Transdev

• Change to 5119PM service to improve student safety

Transport for Brisbane

• New 714AM and 714PM services, as well as an extension of urban service route 428 during both AM and PM, for Indooroopilly State School
• Extension to 747PM to Brookside Interchange
• Changes to the 990, 992, 993 and 997 services to better service north Brisbane schools
• Changes to 703, 709, 713 and 730 school services and urban service route 425, along with the introduction of new school service 725, to cater for Kenmore State High School students following change to Monday bell time.

Westside Bus Company

• New 5265AM, 5248AM, 5271AM, 6265PM, 6248PM and 6271PM services for Ripley Valley State High School
• New 6272PM service to complement existing 6240 service and provide additional capacity
• Extension of 5206 and 6206 services to Ecco Ripley Estate

MEDIA CONTACT: Courtney Thompson – 0433 585 570