Nick McKim, MP

Minister for Sustainable Transport

Tuesday, 31 January 2012

New student bus travel arrangements in place

New student bus travel arrangements are in place for 2012.

The Minister for Sustainable Transport, Nick McKim, today reminded Tasmanians that from this year, students travelling on fare charging bus services other than Merseylink or Tassielink will use a student Greencard.
 
“The first Student Greencards for use on these fare charging services other than Metro will be issued free of charge,” Mr McKim said.

“A student Greencard looks and works like an ordinary Greencard on Metro buses but also lets students access the discount student fare or free concession travel, where eligible, when going to and from school on other participating bus services.

“Students who already have a Greencard can continue to use the one they have and don’t need to apply for another one.

“Students using these services who don’t currently have a Greencard will be able to apply to the Department of Infrastructure, Energy and Resources for their card.”

Mr McKim said that in addition to these changes, a single maximum student fare of $1.30, will apply across all fare charging services.

“However, by carrying and presenting their Greencards, students will be able to access a discount fare of no more than $1.  While this is an increase, it means the end of the current student fare inequities,” Mr McKim said.

“For students using Metro, the 10 cent fare rise is the first increase in 16 years.  Students using Greencards for travel on Metro services will get a 20% discount.

“Families or individual students holding Centrelink Health Care cards or other relevant Australian Government concession cards will, upon application, continue to be eligible for free travel to and from school.

“As well as introducing greater fairness and consistency to student bus fares, it’s important that we continue to take advantage of smart technology.

“Adult students and students travelling on rural, free bus services are not affected by these changes.”

Those students wishing to apply for a Greencard can pick up a form from Service Tasmania or download one from www.transport.tas.gov.au