Comprehensive package of improvements to school bus system unveiled

2/12/99
Transport Minister Murray Criddle today unveiled the most comprehensive package of improvements ever introduced to the school bus system in Western Australia.
Mr Criddle said the Coalition Government would boost its transport assistance program by $7 million a year for school students attending both Government and non-Government schools.
The new measures follow a two-year review of the way the school bus system operates in Western Australia and the initiatives provide improved access and better, safer transport services for all students.
The review was undertaken following the transfer of control and administration of school bus services from Education to Transport.
Mr Criddle said that key features included:

• free travel to the school of choice for students in non public transport areas from 2003;
• air conditioning to be installed on an additional 280 buses across the state, reinforcing Western Australia's position as the only State in Australia to air-condition its school buses;
• Australia's first-ever trial of seat belts on school buses;
• school bus travel for four-year-olds attending pre-school, consistent with the Government's policy on access to education;
• assistance for students with disabilities attending mainstream schools who are unable to access public transport;
• improved management of student behaviour, including the development of a code of conduct for all users of the system;
• training programs for school bus drivers, including first aid; and -
• safety improvements to rural buses, including compulsory mobile phones and two-way radios communications systems and the installation of flashing lights.

"This package of new benefits is the result of a review of transport assistance for students involving one of the most exhaustive consultative processes undertaken in WA," Mr Criddle said.
"We propose to implement initiatives in consultation with groups like the WA Road Transport Association, parents and schools.
"There will be flexibility in the way many of the measures will be implemented across the various regions of the State.
"Currently, students in rural areas are eligible for transport assistance while attending their nearest Government school or nearest appropriate private school.
"However, from 2003 these students will be entitled to access their school of choice, free of charge."
Students in public transport areas will still be able to access their school of choice on an extensive public transport and school special bus network.
School transport assistance is currently provided to about 56,000 students a year, at an annual cost of around $67million.
It includes helping almost 23,000 students on public transport and school special services in metropolitan Perth, 10,000 students on public transport and school special services in country towns, and 23,000 students in rural and outer metropolitan areas.
Mr Criddle said it would take time to implement the review's recommendations under the guidance of an advisory group.
"From the start of the 2000 school year, the current policy, eligibility criteria and entitlements will continue to apply," Mr Criddle said.
He said that an extensive information and awareness program would be conducted during the first term of next year to familiarise parents, schools and relevant organisations with the outcome of the review.
This would include public briefing sessions around the State and the preparation of information packs for all schools, contractors and key stakeholders.
In the meantime, people wanting to know more about the new arrangements can 'phone Transport's school bus information 'hotline' on 9320 9794.
Media contact: Doug Cunningham on 9321 7333