GUPSA concerned about plans to axe student concession on public transport

Minister for Transport and Main Roads Scott Emerson on Friday announced changes to student concessions on public transport which are likely to have negative consequences for HDR students.

Under a new scheme to be introduced next month, tertiary students will be required to apply for a Tertiary Transport Concession Card (TTCC) in order to receive the 50 per cent fare discount. Students who are enrolled in a course with less than 12 contact hours are not eligible for the TTCC, even if their workload is classified as full-time by their educational institution. This means that as an HDR student with no coursework component you will lose your entitlement to concessions on Queensland Public Transport.

GUPSA is disappointed and concerned about the plans as we believe that the removal of student concessions on public transport puts an unreasonable strain on already tight budgets. We are currently liaising with our fellow student organisations in Queensland to come to an appropriate joint response to the minister. Meanwhile, I encourage you to sign the online petition against the changes.

Niels Kraaier
GUPSA President