Getting Your Child to School Safely
Safety is one of the most important factors to remember, regardless of how your child gets to and from school.
If your child travels on a bus, please encourage them to behave sensibly and safely whilst on the bus, and to accept reasonable direction from the bus driver. There is a code of behaviour that all student passengers must follow.
If you drive your child to school or the bus stop, you should abide by all parking restrictions and, if possible, park on the same side of the road as the school or bus stop. If you must park opposite the school or bus stop, get out of your vehicle and cross with your child.
Walking
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Walking is a free and healthy way to get to school. Consider the route that your child will take and make sure that they use the safest road crossings. Younger children should be accompanied by an adult until you are certain that they can safely manage the journey alone. Even for older children, it is advisable to walk with them at first on the route they will be using and point out any ‘Safety Houses’ in case your child ever feels uncomfortable or unsafe while walking alone. Many communities across the state participate in the Safety House Scheme. Your school or local police will have more information about Safety Houses in your area.
Some schools have organised ‘walking buses’ where a number of children walk to and from school together, supervised by adults. The ‘bus’ picks children up at designated meeting points along the route.
If you are interested in organising a walking bus at your school, contact the Move Well Eat Well Project Co-ordinator:
Ph: (03) 6233 7811
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Buses
If the school is not within walking distance, your child can usually access a bus service. This may be free or it may be a fare-charging bus service. Contact your school to find out about the bus services available for your area.
If your child will be using public buses, there are a number of concessions they may be eligible for, including:
- Student Bus Pass for Free Travel
- Student Transfer Bus Pass
- Concession ID Number
- Devonport Student Transfer Bus Pass
Information and application forms for these concessions are available from Service Tasmania offices. For information on bus services for metropolitan areas, including timetables and fares contact:
Metro Tasmania
Ph: 13 2201
Web: www.metrotas.com.au
For information on the Code of Behaviour, contact:
Department of Infrastructure, Energy and Resources,
Land Transport Safety Division:
Ph: 1300 851 225
Web: www.transport.tas.gov.au/passenger_information
Private Transport
Where a bus service is not available, you will need to use private transport to get your child to school. In this case you may be eligible to receive the Conveyance Allowance, which helps with the cost of driving students between home and school or to and from the nearest bus stop, whichever is the closer.
For information on the Conveyance Allowance contact:
Department of Infrastructure, Energy and Resources
Ph: 1300 851 225
Tasmanian education system