Expanded support for students affected by Victoria Pass closure

Families affected by the ongoing closure of the Great Western Highway at Victoria Pass are set to receive additional support through a temporary amendment of the School Drive Subsidy Scheme.

The NSW Government scheme is helping families cover some of the costs of driving children to school when public transport isn’t available. Payments are calculated based on the approved distance between home and school or public transport drop-off, the number of days the student attends school, and the applicable subsidy rate.

A targeted, temporary amendment to the Scheme will assist families whose school journeys have been significantly disrupted by the closure and who are facing increased travel times and costs, said NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Education, Prue Car.

“Families have been doing an incredible job navigating this disruption, and we want to support them to ensure their children continue to access their education,” said Ms Car.

“Alongside the improved school bus services this financial support will help ease pressure on families in the area.”

The Deputy Premier confirmed the assistance will be back dated to the start of the closure, from 8 March, until the road reopens. This means eligible families will be able to apply retrospectively, with payments covering the period since the closure began.

Students who travel to and from school by private vehicle may be eligible if they:

• Live in Hartley, Little Hartley, Hartley Vale, Kanimbla or Oberon;
• Attend Mount Victoria Public School, Blackheath Public School, Mountains Christian College, Katoomba High School, Katoomba Public School or Blue Mountains Grammar School;
• Obtain confirmation from their school principal that the Victoria Pass closure has increased their travel and that they are travelling by private vehicle;
• Continue to meet all existing School Drive Subsidy eligibility requirements, including age, NSW residency and minimum distance criteria.

“We understand how challenging this closure has been, particularly for families and students facing longer journeys to and from school. For these families, it has meant a complete change in routine, with earlier mornings, longer drives and extra costs that add up,” said Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison.

“The temporary amendment to the School Drive Subsidy Scheme will help ease that financial pressure, and it applies retrospectively so families aren’t out of pocket.

“With a clear timeline in place and works underway, parents and students can plan ahead knowing this support will be there for the remainder of the closure.”

For general information about the School Drive Subsidy, visit: https://transportnsw.info/tickets-fares/eligibility-concessions/school-student-travel/guide-to-school-drive-subsidy-payments.