From 27th January 2016, eligible school students can ‘tap’ into Opal with the School Opal card – the smarter way to travel to and from school.

Your consignment of School Opal cards for students who had a pass in 2015, and are eligible for travel in 2016 under the School Student Transport Scheme (SSTS), should arrive from 27 January 2016.

Other eligible students, including new applicants and students changing school or campuses, updating their personal details, or going from year 2 to 3 or year 6 to 7, who have already applied or who still need to apply, will have their School Opal cards posted to their home address in the first two weeks of term one 2016.

You can contact 131 500 or concessions@transport.nsw.gov.au for more information or if your cards don’t arrive within the first two weeks.

Parents or guardians, and students who are eligible for SSTS travel and have not already received a card, should be directed to apply online at transportnsw.info/school-students

Please endorse the application forms and return these to Transport for NSW within the first two weeks of term to ensure eligible students can get their School Opal cards as quickly as possible. Remember: you are only required to endorse the enrolment status, grade and home address of the student. You are not required to endorse the nominated transport mode and operator, as Transport for NSW is responsible for managing SSTS compliance.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT TRAVELLING WITH OPAL:

• The School Opal card is only for travel to and from school on approved modes of public transport.
• The School Opal card doesn’t cover travel to activities away from school, such as, after school care, sport and school excursions.
• Remember: A grace period applies at the start of each new school year, where school students who have been approved for SSTS travel can travel without a valid pass while new passes are being issued. Students must be in school uniform or be able to provide evidence (such as a school ID or school books) that they are travelling to or from school during this time.
• Students should use a Child/Youth Opal card for travel after hours, on weekends, during school holidays or activities away from school.

After two weeks of receiving your School Opal cards, please return any cards unable to be issued to students to:

Transport for NSW
Locked Bag 5085
Parramatta NSW 2124