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Cheaper And Easier Public Transport Travel For Students

12 December 2018

Victorian families will save time and money thanks to simpler access to public transport concessions being introduced by the Andrews Labor Government.

Minister for Public Transport Melissa Horne said from term 1 next year, school students will be able to use their PTV-approved school identification card to get concession travel on public transport.

The change will mean students at participating schools no longer need to arrange, pay for and carry the dedicated PTV School Student ID.

Currently, the only way students are eligible to travel on a student pass is with a PTV School Student ID.

Allowing the use of PTV-approved school identification will mean students won’t need to obtain passport photos and pay for the dedicated PTV School Student ID – saving families up to $30 a year per student.

The use of PTV-approved school identification cards to prove concession eligibility is an interim step in simplifying student identification requirements, while more sustainable solutions are being developed.

A more affordable Regional Student Passes will also be available from term 1 next year, which will increase the discount for regional students to 50 per cent of the yearly cost of concession travel.

For students to take up the more flexible ID option, schools will need to ensure their school identification cards meet PTV’s fraud prevention requirements and be approved by PTV.

PTV will communicate with schools before the end of this school year to outline how they can participate in the new identification arrangements.

The existing PTV School Student ID will remain an option for students whose schools choose not to participate.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport Melissa Horne

This will make it simpler and cheaper for students to get concession fares on public transport.”

“Many students around Victoria rely on public transport to get them to school and to get them around town – we’re making it easier for them.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino

“We’re removing hurdles to make it simpler, cheaper and easier for students and families to access concession travel, and we’re doing this in time for the new school year.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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