Queensland School Transport News
Many parents are concerned when their children leave home for their daily commute to school. In Queensland in particular the state takes the school run very seriously and tries to make it as safe as it possibly can for your child.
MyTransLink
If your child has a smartphone, then you should download the application MyTransLink. It is totally free and is easy to set up. Once functioning you can add favorite stops and services, plus the additional advantage of offering real-time information.
MyTransLink is the official Queensland Government app that has been designed for public transport in South East Queensland, Mackay, Cairns, and Toowoomba. Basically the app helps to:
- Plan the travel
- Receive alerts
- Give fare estimates
- Advise of any disruptions
The application can be downloaded either from the App Store from Apple or you can get it on Google Play.
HAST
The HAST program (Healthy Active School Travel) has been designed by the Department of Transport and Main Roads, together with the Department of Health for Queensland.
The above departments have been working together with local councils to try and increase the physical activity levels of all students traveling by school bus.
The program has been developed to raise the standards of health of many students who travel by bus and do not get enough physical activity such as walking.
Changes to School Bus Restraints
Under the Code of Conduct for School Students Travelling on Buses, there has been a change of the type of child restraints that must be used concerning students.
The policy is comprehensive and includes:
- Taxis and limousines
- Vehicles with less than 13 seats
- Vehicles with more than 13 seats
- Vehicles with side-facing seats
All of the new recommendations service one priority, and that is the safety of young students who travel to and from school or on trips and excursions.
They apply to any school transport operator that is operating in Queensland and are obligatory.
SchoolBUS
The Queensland Government is determined to ensure students traveling by bus are as safe as possible, therefore it has decided to put into place SchoolBUS so transport operators can apply for state funding to ensure their buses are upgraded to comply with safety legislation.
The funding is also available for operators who wish to purchase new or less than five year old vehicles for their school bus fleets.
The objective of this scheme is to help accelerate the rollover-compliant buses into the Queensland school bus fleet.
