Published April 5, 2016 - Eliza Barr, Inner West Courier
STUDENTS across Sydney who could previously only enjoy free travel to and from school on buses, trains and ferries can now add the city’s light rail to their entitlements.
Balmain state Greens MP Jamie Parker, who had campaigned for free travel alongside local students, welcomed the news.
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State transport minister Andrew Constance has announced that light rail travel would be included in the School Student Transport Scheme from Term 3 this year.
Students can already travel to and from school for free on buses, trains and ferries under the scheme.
“This is a great win for families living around Sydney’s inner west, providing a more direct way for students to travel between home and school,” Mr Constance said.
Students and parents will be able to apply for the School Opal card from July 1 before free travel begins a few weeks later.
Balmain state Greens MP Jamie Parker, who had campaigned for free travel alongside local students, welcomed the news.
“Students travelling to Sydney Secondary College in Glebe from Dulwich Hill can save up to 45 minutes using the light rail rather than buses,” Mr Parker said.
“It simply makes sense to include light rail to reduce congestion on our roads and make travel to school faster for students.”
Mr Parker said it was a significant win for students and families who had been writing letters, lobbying and signing petitions in support of free light rail travel for students.
“I’m particularly proud of the student leaders at Sydney Secondary College who have worked with my office to collect over 1000 petition signatures supporting this change,” he said.
DETAILS
■ The same School Opal card travel restrictions will apply for light rail as other modes of transport.
■ Existing School Opal card holders will be able to request online that light rail be added, or replace the existing mode of approved mode of travel, to their School Student Transport Scheme entitlement.
■ Upon approval, existing School Opal cardholders will have the light rail mode added to their existing card without the need for a replacement card to be issued.
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