FAQ - School Bus Passes

What happens next?

After you have submitted your application on the Qld Govt website, Bus Queensland can issue interim approval to distance eligible applicants, and will be able to let you know how long your bus pass will take to be ready.
However, final approval will be issued in writing by the department of transport and main roads.

Travelling with a bus pass

  1. The pass must be produced to the driver upon request. Smart card users in Toowoomba need to touch on when boarding and touch off when alighting the bus.

  2. Passes are not transferable.

  3. Parents/Guardians will be required to pay a replacement fee of $17.20 (cash or EFTPOS) for lost passes at the:

    • Bus Qld Park Ridge depot - 3842 Mt Lindesay Highway Park Ridge for bus passes issued from the Park Ridge, Ipswich, or Laidley regions.

    • Bus Qld Toowoomba depot - 308 Taylor St, Glenvale for bus passes issued from the Toowoomba region.

  4. Damaged passes will be replaced at a nominal fee provided the damaged pass is produced and identifiable.

  5. When students cease using the bus service, passes must be returned to the bus company immediately.

  6. Excess fares are to be paid directly to the transport operator.

How do I renew my student’s bus pass?

  • Each year, new bus passes will be posted to all approved bus pass holders in the Park Ridge, Ipswich, and Laidley regions.

  • Smart card holders in the Toowoomba region will automatically be rolled over. If smart card holders are no longer eligible their card will be charged a full fare.

  • Distance eligible students usually receive ongoing approval from the department of transport and main roads until they either change address or school, or enrol in high school - even if it is the same school attended.

  • Parents of safety-net eligible students will receive approval for assistance on a yearly basis.

What if my student isn’t eligible for a bus pass?

Students that are not eligible for a bus pass will need to pay for a fare using:

  • A go card on Translink services in the Ipswich and Park Ridge regions.

  • On Translink services customers can also pay for their journey with a contactless Visa, Mastercard and American Express credit or debit card, including those in a digital wallet.

  • Cash on Fares Based or Kilometric STAS routes in the Park Ridge, and Laidley regions.

  • Prepaid smart card on Toowoomba services.