Applying for subsidised travel under the School Student Transport Scheme (SSTS) will be made easier for students and parents with applications moving online from last Thursday. Clarence MP, Chris Gulaptis said a new online application form for eligible school students and a secure online portal for operators makes the process more convenient and informative for parents, students and bus operators. “This scheme is one of the most generous subsidised travel programs in Australia, providing more than $550 million to subsidise the 120 million trips taken annually by NSW school students to and from school. “There are approximately 1,500 schools in rural and regional NSW, with around 180,000 students with passes that entitle them to free travel between home and school. “The changes will deliver a more consistent approach for customers in how Transport for NSW determines a student’s eligibility and entitlement allocation. “Most 2016 passes have already been issued and customers will not have to reapply unless they are changing home, school, campus or their name,” Mr Gulaptis said. All new SSTS applications will be submitted to Transport for NSW via the online application form which will replace the existing blue Application Form for Subsidised Travel and Update of Student Details. Information about the School Student Transport Scheme and how to apply for subsidised school travel can be found www.transportnsw.info/school-students. Applicants who don’t have access to the internet can seek assistance by calling 131 500.