New program sees underprivileged students offered topped up Myki cards
The cost of public transport is a deterrent for some kids to go to school, but a new program will give them a subsidised Myki card so they won’t have to worry about dodging tickets inspectors.
VIC News
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Students who don’t go to school because they can’t afford to top up their Myki cards will be helped under a new program offering $300 for their travel to school each year.
The program, Your Key Student Access Initiative, will initially assist 1000 students in government primary and secondary schools in 2020.
It is in response to evidence that students skip school because they haven’t got the money to top up their cards.
Other students try to go to school but spend their commute dodging tickets inspectors. Research by Youth Law suggests fining young people is a waste of time, draws them into the court system and makes their often difficult home life harder as they struggle to pay fines.
The State Schools’ Relief Committee is rolling out the program that will see eligible students receive an initial $100 credit on their Myki.
They will then be topped up twice by $100 during the year.
Cards will be sent to schools via registered mail and top ups will be tied to the completion of a short survey which is seen as critical to assessing the program. Students will be recommended by schools.
The cheapest option for students is a yearly Myki card which costs $607 upfront or $317 in two half yearly instalments.
State Schools’ chief executive officer Sue Karzis said it was clear that the cost of public transport was another barrier to attendance for students already facing difficulties.
She said they were seeking expressions of interest from about 1500 schools.
She said it was first in best dressed and with support from sponsors they hoped to expand the program beyond the initial 1000 students.
Ms Karzis said some children from homes with challenging backgrounds might find that the family moved to a new area or the child moved in with another family member, but in the interests of continuity, they might stay at the same school.
But, she said, lack of money meant they would not go to school because they could not afford the public transport.
Ms Karzis said students on remand at Parkville College would be involved in the pilot program.
“They might be waiting to go to court but by providing access to transport they can continue to go to school,” she said.
Ms Karzis said some students were fined for fare evasion and ended up in the court system with mounting fines which they could not pay.
The Victorian Council of Social Service has identified transport as an issue for students.
It has called for free or discounted transport to assist students struggling with disadvantage.
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A Western suburbs pilot run by WEstjustice, in partnership with Public Transport Ombudsman, provided free Myki cards to students experiencing homelessness or family violence, to travel to and from school.
The initial School Myki Project pilot of four schools in Wyndham has been extended to include up to 15 schools.
The pilot reported an increased school attendance, engagement and improved mental health and wellbeing.
The State Schools’ Relief travel program is part of SSR’s suite of assistance at schools including uniforms and computers.
Ms Karzis said they assisted students in 82 per cent of Victorian schools, showing that disadvantage did not have suburban or locality limitations.