Back to school with Transport Canberra

Travel planning

We encourage all students and families check their school packs and to plan ahead for the new school term. Please refer to the school travel page for a list of bus services for each school as well as active travel options.

Ticketing and MyWay+

Primary and full-time secondary students (high school and college students) can access student concession fares.

Get setup with MyWay+ for the new school year:

• register for a MyWay+ account online, apply the student concession status and order a MyWay+ travel card
• visit a retail outlet to get a student MyWay+ travel card (note proof of concession must be shown for secondary students), or
• if the student has a smartphone, download the MyWay+ app, connect it to a MyWay+ account and use the MyWay+ pass (in-app QR code) to tap on and off on public transport.

Student concessions must be renewed each year. All current student MyWay+ travel cards purchased in 2024 and 2025 have an extended expiry date until 1 January 2026. To check the concession status of a MyWay+ travel card:

• login to your MyWay+ account or app to see the status
• if you don’t have an account yet, set one up and link your MyWay+ travel card, or
• visit a MyWay+ retail outlet.

Once MyWay+ is setup, students can simply tap on and off with their MyWay+ travel card or MyWay+ pass in the app to receive the cheapest fare.

Please note, secondary students need to carry their student card as proof of concession.

Transport Canberra is working to improve the MyWay+ system by allowing primary account holders, like parents or carers, to link multiple MyWay+ accounts. This is about to undergo testing with the community prior to launching over the next couple of months.

For more information, including student concessions, visit the student MyWay+ page or call 13 17 10.

Student transport program

Some full-time students are eligible for free travel Monday to Friday during the school term under the student transport program. For more information see the student transport program.

Buses

Students should be familiar with their school route so they know where to get on and off the bus each day. Remember to tap on and off so that the correct fare is applied.

School bus services are available to school students only. Under special circumstances, parents with young children may apply to travel on these services for a few days to help their child get used to bus travel. Complete the Short-term parent school bus travel application form (PDF 101.6KB).

Students should be familiar with the following rules:

• signal the driver as the bus will not automatically stop
• stand back from the kerb when waiting for the bus
• enter the bus one at time
• if a seat is free, please sit down and stow your bag underneath the seat, well clear of the aisle
• if there are no seats available, move to the back of the bus to leave room for others, then hold on to the closest rail or strap available
• exit one at a time and do not cross the road until the bus has gone.

Light rail

Students should be familiar with their route so they know where to get on and off each day. Remember to tap on and off so that the correct fare is applied.

Stay safe and follow these rules:

• stay behind the yellow line at the light rail stop
• avoid distractions such as phones and headphones around light rail
• only cross at designated crossings and wait for the green pedestrian signal
• stay clear of the doors to let passengers exit the light rail vehicle before you begin boarding
• hold on when on board
• encourage others to be safe.

Walking, cycling and part way points

Walking or riding to school is a great way to get exercise each day. Children need at least one hour of physical activity per day to maintain a healthy lifestyle. It also helps develop the confidence and skills to independently travel as they get older.

If school is a little too far away, you could try using a part way point. These are designated drop off areas where students can walk to school. They help reduce congestion and increase safety around schools. It can also be easier and faster for parents to pick up or drop off kids. To find a part way point, visit the school travel page, select your school and view the ‘Ride or walk to school brochure’.