Government tables response to School Bus Services report

• Report makes a number of recommendations on the future of the Student Transport Assistance Program
• Review of school bus services was requested in 2021
• Included more than 200 written submissions, 25 hearings and several regional visits

The State Government has today tabled its response to a report into School Bus Services in Western Australia.

Transport Minister Rita Saffioti requested the review in 2021, to ensure School Bus Services and the Public Transport Authority's Student Transport Assistance Policy Framework continued to meet the needs of the community.

It's the first review of School Bus Services to be initiated in WA in nearly 25 years.

The review was undertaken by the Public Accounts Committee and included more than 200 written submissions, 25 hearings and regional visits to Wagin, Narrogin, Dumbleyung and Jarrahdale.

The committee tabled its report 'Bus Fair' in August this year.

Some of the key recommendations, accepted in principle by the State Government include:

• enhancing collaboration between the Department of Education and Public Transport Authority;
• providing greater notice to the community when Transperth services expand to replace school bus services;
• enabling families to keep their child on a wait list for a seat while also receiving a conveyance allowance;
• creating a formal process for parents and carers to appeal decisions made by School Bus Services;
• establishing a dedicated complaints management process;
• improving school bus service advertising and application processes for families;
• making information for applications more accessible, including providing information in languages other than English; and
• updating guidelines to include information on conduct of school bus contractors and drivers.

A copy of the report and the Government's response can be found here: https://1drv.ms/u/s!AloKUO4-A4XsgqA36kp29wWui1FGoQ?e=bYmWbc

Comments attributed to Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:

"I want to thank the committee and the wider community for their efforts in producing this report.

"It's been nearly 25 years since a review into School Bus Services was undertaken, and we want to make sure the needs of the community continue to be met.

"The State Government has today released its response to the report and has provided in principle support to a number of the recommendations.

"We're committed to improving School Bus Services for the community and will work across government, with families, and industry to implement the recommendations."

Minister's office - 6552 5500