School Buses - Changes

Important Update

In conjunction with PTV and Ventura (who operate the school buses on behalf of PTV), we have been working together to improve the safety, behaviour and the overcrowding situation of the school buses. This is consistently one of the biggest complaints from students and families. 

Data gathered by Ventura staff indicates that the overcrowding on the school buses, which often contributes to poor behaviour, is largely due to the fact that some students are using the school buses only to get to Knox Shopping Centre.

The school buses are intended to transport students who live some distance from the school to and from home, and are not intended to save students a short walk home or to Knox Shopping Centre. 

Students wishing to catch a bus to Knox Shopping Centre (and connecting buses) or to get to Wantirna South Primary School, can catch the 738 Mitcham Bus from the bus stop at the top of the school, which consistently has ample capacity.

To address the overcrowding issue, we have therefore endorsed the following changes to the afternoon school bus routes:

1.The 1093 Lysterfield Bus will no longer stop at Knox Shopping Centre. It will travel along Harold Street to Stud Road and then continue along Coleman Pde, stopping for the first time at the corner of Lewis Road on Coleman Road (stop 15772).  It will then turn right along Lewis Road, and left onto Burwood Highway, stopping firstly at the Parkhurst Drive/Burwood Hwy stop and then continue on the existing route. 

2.The 1086 Ferntree Gully Bus will no longer stop at Knox Shopping Centre. It will turn right from Burwood Hwy into Stud Road, then left into High Street and stop for the first time at the first stop immediately around the corner (stop 15782) and then at Wolf Street (top 15781), giving students access to the southern end of Tyner Road via the path network.  It will then resume the existing route with a right turn into Wallace Road.  

No changes are planned for the 1060 Wantirna Bus.

Please note that bus routes are yet to be updated on the PTV website.

We welcome feedback on these changes, and the school buses in general. Please email GeneralOffice@wantirnacollege.vic.edu.au.

Reminder

A reminder that all school buses are PTV buses and students are required to tap on with a Myki for all travel. We have had reports that students are being told by drivers that they do not need to tap on – this is not the case. Students can be, and have been, fined for not having a valid Myki. However, this is expected to change in 2026 in line with the recent State Budget announcement that will make public transport free for everyone under 18, everywhere in Victoria. 

Peter Cameron

Business Manager