School buses in country Victoria
The Victorian Government coordinates the operation of an extensive network of free school bus services throughout country Victoria.
The system remains an important factor in providing children across regional Victoria with access to schools, particularly students in isolated, rural areas where no public transport exists.
Information on this page
- Who can travel on rural school buses
- Applying to travel on an existing service
- Services for children with special needs
- New rural school bus services
- Contacts for more information
Who can travel on rural school buses
The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD) sets the policy governing eligibility to travel on the free school bus system.
The policy covers students attending both government and non-government schools in regional and rural communities.
Students at government schools
To be eligible for free school bus transport, the student must attend the nearest government primary or secondary school and must live at least 4.8 kilometres from the school.
Students at non-government schools
For students to be eligible for free travel to and from school by bus, they must attend the nearest non-government school of the appropriate denomination and may be permitted to travel on an existing school bus service, provided there is space available on the bus.
Applying for travel on an existing service
If students wish to use an existing school bus service to and from their school, they should fill out an application form which they can obtain from their school. The completed form is then returned to the school, which will advise the student whether or not they are eligible to use the service.
Services for children with special needs
DEECD provides free bus services for children with special needs who attend special and development schools.
Students with a mobility disability who attend other government or non-government schools should make their school aware of their special needs when they submit their application to use a school bus to their school.
New rural school bus services
For a new school bus service to start, a school must submit an application to DEECD. The application must include details of the eligible students and the proposed route map.
A minimum of 15 eligible students is required for consideration to be given to a new service.
Once the service has been approved, Pubilc Transport Victoria makes the appropriate arrangements for the introduction of the new route including contracting a bus operator to provide the service.
Contacts for more information
All inquiries should be directed to the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development.
