Futher information on AFC Student Bus Service.
Pricing and Discounts
Is the $6.60 cost fixed, or is it subject to change based on fuel or other factors?
Response: To be viable the service needs 45 permanent daily passengers. The costs stated were indicative only, but it is proposed that the cost once set will be applicable for the school year.
Can parents opt for a yearly payment option, and if so, would there be a discount for paying upfront?
Response: No, at this point in time we will working on a term by term basis. Term payments can be made upfront or with Monthly payments by direct debit. A 30 day (60 Tap) pass is also available. There is a one off $10 payment for the cost and administration of the Olly card. This fee will be waivered should the payment of the full term is made up front.
Are there any additional fees for replacing lost or damaged student bus cards?
Response: Yes, the fee is $10 to cover card and administration.
Service and Scheduling
How will Austrek handle delays in train schedules that may affect the pickup times from Edmonson Park and Leppington stations?
Response: There a number of scenarios that could eventuate. Not all students at these stations may be from the train Network. Drivers can utilise the trip view app to make a call on arrival of trains. We would suggest that the driver does not wait at Edmonson Park and continue to Leppington Station where continuation of route to enable the bus to arrive before Bell.
What measures are in place to ensure that the bus arrives on time, particularly during peak traffic or inclement weather?
Response: Some scenarios are out of our control however late running of buses can be reported by driver and text messages sent to designated person at school.
Can adjustments be made to the timetable if parents or the school identify more efficient routes or timings? Or when we have Ramadan? Our school times change during fasting month.
Response: Provided a minimum of 48 hours’ notice is given then changes can be accommodated for the whole of school attendance. We are yet to finalise exact route at this time. Any changes once set would require thorough consultation.
Are there contingency plans in case of bus breakdowns or emergencies?
Response: Yes, Austrek operates a number of buses in the fleet and a spare bus would be dispatched.
Public Holidays and Non-School Days
What happens to the service on public holidays or pupil-free days? Will parents still be charged if the service is not used?
Response: As the service is based on the number of taps on and unused taps are carried over there is no charge for these days. Term pricing accounts for the number of days in the school term.
If a student needs transportation during a non-standard school day (e.g., early dismissals or late-start days), will the service accommodate this?
Response: See above. Individual students not accommodated as this service is for the whole of school.
Student Safety and Risk Management
What monitoring systems are in place to ensure student safety during the bus journey (e.g., CCTV, attendance checks)?
Response: Student will use a card and tap on when boarding the bus. Their presence is recorded on our system. Students and parents will have access to the OllyCard app to track movements and location of the bus.
How will Austrek handle incidents such as lost student cards or issues with payment during the service?
Response: No card no travel.
What are the emergency procedures for situations like accidents or a child missing their bus, especially if it’s a one-way trip?
Response: Our responsibilities start when the student boards the bus. Drivers are trained to handle emergencies relating to the vehicle and the service. School should consider implementation of bus prefects and travel buddies.
Parent and School Involvement
How will parents be informed about changes in the schedule or costs?
Response: In conjunction with the College, we will have an email list whereby the information can be communicated to parents.
Can the school track student attendance on the bus in real-time? Is there an App or communication with the driver?
Response: There is an App to allow parents and guardians to be notified if desired. The system will record student tap ons and offs.
Will there be a feedback mechanism for parents to report issues or suggest improvements to the service?
Response: Yes, the office can be contacted by email or phone details are on our website allows for contacting.
Feasibility and Future Planning
If minimum number of daily students required to make the service viable is 40, what happens if that number is not met? Can a smaller shuttle bus be requested?
Response: No, we will revise use term by term. We are working with the school to utilise some seating capacity of existing buses so students will not be on the bus for a longer duration than necessary.
Will the price per trip decrease if the service gains more users in subsequent terms?
Response: This would be highly unlikely as the more uses will require additional services but this would improve service and add more locationts.
What are the planned bus stops?
Response: We are still working on expressions of interest to measure demand. Stops need to be safe and accessible and not deviate from direct routes. We will provide more detail next week.