Apply for or renew a student bus pass for free travel

There are 3 types of student bus passes:

Free travel pass

This pass provides free travel between home and school for eligible students on fare-charging services.

You can apply online for a free travel pass. 

Free transfer pass

This pass is for eligible students that must use more than one school bus to travel between home and school. The services must charge a fare and be operated by different companies. 

Students pay a fare to the same operator in the morning and afternoon. For example, in the morning, pay a fare on the first trip then travel free on the other(s). In the afternoon, travel free on the first trip(s) and pay a fare on the last trip.

You can apply online for a free transfer pass.

Special circumstances

This pass is for eligible adult students on general access services. It provides discounted or free travel for some or all of a journey between home and school.

You need to use the paper application form (PDF, 163KB) to apply for a special circumstances bus pass. 

If you are unable to complete the application online, please contact bus.passes@stategrowth.tas.gov.au or visit a service centre to get a paper form and submit your application. You can also ask your school for help with the online application form. 

The information you need depends on the type of pass and how you apply. The fastest way to get a student bus pass is to apply online.

Free travel or transfer bus passes

To apply or renew you must:

• complete the online application form
• provide your bus route information
• provide your concession details, these will be verified electronically if you apply online. 

If your child is under 16 and holds their own concession card you need to use a paper application. You must provide a copy of the concession card. Please contact bus.passes@stategrowth.tas.gov.au or visit a service centre to get a paper form and submit your application.

Apply for a special circumstances pass

You need to apply at a service centre. You must:

• completed application form (PDF, 163KB)
• provide your concession card (if you have one), and
• provide a letter of support from your school Principal, Assistant Principal or Student Coordinator.

Please visit Transport Services for more information about applying for a special circumstances bus pass. 

Each pass has different requirements.

Free travel pass

Your child must be:

• under 18 or turning 18 in the year of study
• a full-time student (600+ hours per year), enrolled at an education facility recognised by the Department for Education, Children and Young People.

Your child must also meet one of the following:

• hold a concession card or is listed as a dependent on a current concession card
• live within the school's intake or home area in a rural location with only a fare charging service available
• be under a care and protection order.

Rural area means outside the urban boundary. Please visit Transport Services for more information on eligibility for a free student bus pass. 

Free transfer student bus pass

Your child must be:

• under 18 or turning 18 in the year of study, and
• a full-time student (600+ hours per year), enrolled at an education facility recognised by the Department for Education, Children and Young People.

Your child must also need to use more than one bus to travel between home and school. The buses must be operated by different companies and all charge a fare.

Special circumstance bus pass

You must be:

• aged 18 or older on 1 January in the year of study
• a full-time student (600+ hours per year) enrolled at an education facility recognised by the Department for Education, Children and Young People, TasTAFE, University of Tasmania or College of English, and
• studying at a level that is no higher than is offered to any Year 11 or Year 12 student at a senior secondary college.

You must also have been unable to complete the equivalent of 2 years post year 10 study due to circumstances beyond your control.

These circumstances could include:

• you started school later in life
• your education was interrupted due to disability, illness, family circumstances, frequent changes to school, or other circumstances
• you need more time to complete training and education because of disability
• you were enrolled overseas or interstate throughout your education
• you have humanitarian entrant status.

You do not need to prove your identity.

There is no cost associated with this service.

There is no payment required for this service.