Special Needs Transport is changing its name in 2026
As of 2026, Special Needs Transport will be known as Supported School Transport (SST). In addition, there are changes in the guidelines in terms of eligibility. Please ensure you refer to the 2026 Supported School Transport guidelines for relevant information for 2026 services.
Applications for term 1, 2026 Supported School Transport are now open until Sunday 16 November 2025.
Under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), students with disability may be eligible for Special Needs Transport.
How it works
Special Needs Transport may be available for eligible students:
- from home to the closest appropriate disability education setting located in an ACT public school
- from school to home (or respite or after school care if it is available within the existing transport routes and if there is space on the bus)
Travel aims to be by the shortest route between the student's home and school.
Eligibility
When applying for the 2025 Special Needs Transport program, parents, carers or guardians must demonstrate their inability to transport or arrange transport for their children.
2025 students must
- be a registered NDIS participant with an approved and active NDIS plan
- be a resident of the ACT
- attend an ACT public school (not at their PEA school)
- meet the ACT Special Needs Transport guidelines:
- enrolled in a specialist school or Disability Education Program situated in a high school or primary school setting, or
- the student has a disability affecting mobility requiring the use of a wheelchair, callipers, walking frame or similar specialist transport support.
When applying for the 2026 Supported School Transport program, parents, carers or guardians must demonstrate their inability to transport or arrange transport for their children.
2026 students must
- be a registered NDIS participant with an approved and active NDIS plan
- be a resident of the ACT
- attend an ACT public school (not at their PEA school)
- meet the ACT Supported School Transport guidelines:
- be receiving a substantial or extensive adjustments (such as accessing a small group setting) at a local primary or high school outside of their priority enrolment area, they may be eligible for transport if they fit into one or more of the categories below:
- They have been assessed as in need of transport; and
- The school is the closest appropriate school that meets the student’s individual need
- The student has a disability affecting mobility requiring the use of a wheelchair, callipers, walking frame or similar specialist transport support suck as vision loss/impairment.
Exemptions may apply for students who are not eligible for the NDIS because they do not meet Australian residency requirements. These applications will be considered on a case by case basis. Please phone the Special Needs Transport office on 62053555 to discuss.
Applications
Term 4, 2025
If you are applying for transport for Term 4 2025 you will need to contact our Special Needs Transport Coordinator on 02 6205 3555 or email specialneedstransport@act.gov.au.
You are encouraged to review the Special Needs Transport Guidelines page or download Special Needs Transport Guidelines PDF (PDF 309.5 KB) before submitting an application. Parents and guardians are reminded that we are unable to administer medication to your children as part of this service. Please ensure you consider this before submitting your application.
If you have any questions, please contact Special Needs Transport by email: specialneedstransport@act.gov.au or phone: 62053555.
Term 1, 2026
Applications for Term 1, 2026 Supported School Transport are now open until Sunday 16 November 2025.
You are encouraged to review the Supported School Transport Guidelines page or download Support School Transport Guidelines PDF (PDF 210.1 KB)before submitting an application. Parents and guardians are reminded that we are unable to administer medication to your children as part of this service. Please ensure you consider this before submitting your application and fill out the Medical Response Form.
If you have any questions, please contact Supported School Transport by email: specialneedstransport@act.gov.au or phone: (02) 6205 3555.
More information
Contact us
For more information, review the NDIS frequently asked questions or contact the Special Needs Transport Coordinator on (02) 6205 3555 or email specialneedstransport@act.gov.au.
