The Department of Transport and Main Roads has decided to go ahead with its plan to run new and existing school services from this week to ensure students who need to attend school can safely do so.
Although the beginning of Term One has been put back to 7 February, schools are still open for vulnerable children and the children of essential workers.
Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Mark Bailey said running the school services would enable TransLink to embed a number of improvements, including new routes in Brisbane, Logan, Ipswich and Bribie Island.
“Almost 30 million school trips are expected to be taken throughout 2022 and the safety and comfort of all students when travelling is a priority for us, which is why planning ahead and being prepared is important,” Mr Bailey said.
“Knowing where and when they need to catch their school bus will help immensely,” he said.
Mr Bailey urged students, parents and guardians to use TransLink’s School Service Finder, or Journey Planner, or to visit local operator websites, before the start of Term One.
“TransLink’s School Service Finder is an easy and convenient way for parents and students to find the best journey to and from South-East Queensland schools,” he said.
“It’s important for students to remember to be patient for the first few weeks of the school year, as the network is monitored and changes may need to be made to services where demand requires it.”
Mr Bailey reminded students that masks were mandatory on all public transport and they were encouraged to socially distance on board where possible.
Minister for Education, Grace Grace said the new and improved services would ensure students could travel to and from school safely and easily.
“It’s great to have these new routes up and running for the start of the 2022 school year,” Ms Grace said.
“I also encourage parents and carers to have a conversation with their children about travelling safely, including wearing a mask and socially distancing where possible,” she said.
Translink’s School Service Finder can be accessed at this PS News link and Journey Planner at this link.
