Chaperones ride free on long-distance Greyhound coach services operating through regional Queensland.
The announcement follows Greyhound Australia successfully obtaining contracted long-distance coach routes across Western Queensland.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey was pleased to make the announcement.
"We know how important long-distance coaches are in getting people where they need to be, especially students attending boarding schools," Mr Bailey said.
"My department previously fully funded the ticket cost of a chaperone accompanying children between the ages of 12 to 14 years old, in line with Greyhound's ticketing policy.
"We will continue to fund 100 per cent of the costs of chaperone tickets for Government-contracted Greyhound services, which covers Brisbane, to Charleville, to Rocky and Townsville, and out west to Mount Isa.
"The chaperone initiative will also now include students attending Year 7 who are 11 years of age."
Mr Bailey said local governments and schools had been contacted directly to discuss the initiative.
"We want to make sure that all regional and remote families who have previously utilised the chaperone tickets can easily continue to do so," Mr Bailey said.
"With Greyhound coming onboard to operate more of the coach services, we are seeing stronger route connections between regional areas.
"I look forward to seeing the successful uptake of regional transport services over the next five years."
Greyhound Australia service routes
- Brisbane - Mt Isa
- Brisbane - Charleville
- Miles – Rockhampton
- Emerald - Rockhampton
- Longreach – Rockhampton
- Mt Isa – Townsville (Now incorporating connectivity to Camooweal and Tennant Creek – once per week)
