MUST READ - Changes to bus travel for Shepparton/Mooroopna students travelling to school in 2026

The Victorian Government announced earlier this year that from 1 January 2026, public transport will be free across Victoria for all children aged 17 and under.

This initiative will save families up to $755 per child, per year, while helping young people stay connected—whether travelling to school, sport, work or social activities.

The new Youth myki card was launched on 8 December 2025 and is now available online for $5.00. Families can purchase a Youth myki card online via the Youth myki | Free travel for children under 18, from 1 January 2026 - Transport Victoria webpage. From Saturday 27 December 2025, Youth myki cards will also be available at Staffed train stations that sell myki cards.

Please note: Shepparton is not a staffed myki-selling station; the closest staffed station is Seymour.

To buy a Youth myki, customers can create an account or log in to an existing myki account, purchase and register the Youth myki, and wait for it to arrive in the mail.

Important: Due to high demand, delivery of the new Youth myki may take longer than the standard 10 business days. Printed or digital confirmation emails can be used as a valid ticket to travel from 1 January while waiting for the Youth myki to arrive.

Once obtained, a Youth myki allows eligible young Victorians to travel for free on trains, trams and buses across Victoria.

To access free travel, passengers must tap their myki card on and off each time they travel in metro areas. In areas where myki is not used, travellers must present their Youth myki card to access free travel.

Students who turn 18 will need to purchase the appropriate ticket for their travel needs or, if eligible, may apply for a conveyance allowance to assist with costs. Youth myki card purchased online will expire on your 18th birthday.

Please note: The Youth myki cannot be used for travel on Country Buses operating under the School Bus Program (SBP). However, SBP users are still welcome to purchase a Youth myki card for use on regular public transport services.

For more information about the Youth myki card, visit the Transport Victoria website on transport.vic.gov.au/myki.

No Changes to Country Bus (School Bus Program – SBP)

There are no changes to the SBP application or approval process. All applications will continue to be managed by the Student Transport Team at Greater Shepparton Secondary School, following existing eligibility criteria.

Key points for country travel:

· From 1 January 2026, all students under 18, including those who would normally be fare-paying, will be eligible for free travel on SBP services.

· Travellers on SBP services will continue to be prioritised according to SBP policy once online applications are received.

· The issuance of bus passes will remain at the discretion of individual bus operators.

Conduct of Behaviour for School Bus Travel

There are expectations of all students using school bus travel from both the Bus Operators and Notre Dame College.

Behaviours that aren’t accepted and will result in further action include:

• Using offensive language
• Bullying, teasing or aggression
• Vandalism
• Smoking and vaping
• Failing to listen to or ignoring instructions from the bus driver

School bus travel is a privilege and there will be consequences as a result of inappropriate behaviour while travelling on a bus.

Local and country bus services differ in how behavioural issues are managed.

If travelling on a country bus, an offence policy is already in place. This states that a fourth offence results in no further travel for the student for the rest of the calendar year. It is important to note that although there are four stages to this policy, the severity of an offence will determine the action and could possibly be escalated to a higher offence, even if it’s their first offence.

Inappropriate behaviour on a local bus is deemed a public matter. This could result in the bus driver calling the police and or bringing the behaviour to College attention. The bus operator will also alert the Student Transport Coordinator. The matter will then be forwarded to the leadership team at Notre Dame College. Discretion will be used as to whether the College will also action consequences for the inappropriate behaviour.

School Bus Services for Notre Dame College

Download the Greater Shepparton School Bus Services Table in the pdf below to find the School Buses servicing Notre Dame College.

Bus Timetables

When you have identified the appropriate bus route, review the relevant timetable(s) below to find the most convenient service stop to where you live.

Emmaus Bus Travel

Bus Forms