How the Student Pass System works

Commencing with the 1992 school year, the range of student passes was simplified and their availability standardised; and it is this set-up which has been continued through to the current Metcard system. There are two types of passes and these are issued based on which zone the holder actually lives in, not where they travel to school. The Zone 1 resident pass has always been priced at a little more than the Zone 2 or 3 resident pass as it is felt that those folk in Zone 1 have a greater availability of transport to them. Both passes are, however, available on all services, in all zones, at all times - truely representing good value! There are six passes needed to complete a set for any school year: Zone 1 or Zone 2 & 3 first half yearly, second half yearly and full yearly. All student passes are available so as to overlap the mid-year and end of year holidays and a brief period of the adjoining new term. At the beginning of each year, the first half yearly and full yearly generally go on sale in mid January, whilst the second half yearly goes on sale during July. Student passes are only issued to primary or secondary students who hold a primary/secondary student concession card. The student passes may be purchased from Premium stations, the Met shop, and certain metropolitan Bus depots.

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