Read Now
Join Our College
Bus Travel
Catherine McAuley College Bendigo is well-served by the urban and country bus networks. Students have access to four bus networks: Urban Bus Travel (suburbs of Bendigo), Country Bus Travel and Castlemaine Bus Travel and CMCB Charter Bus Service
General Information
All enquiries regarding bus travel are directed to the Bus Coordinator Miss Erin Varker on 5445 9100 or email evarker@cmc.vic.edu.au. Other useful contacts are:
- Christians Buses – 5447 2222
- Regional Country Bus Coordinator – Country Bus Network – 4433 4317
- VLine – 5440 2739
Conveyance Allowance
Travellers who reside more than 4.8kms from the College may be eligible for Conveyance Allowance. This allowance is only available to those travellers who have purchased a bus pass.
To claim the allowance please see form below. This form is to be completed, along with the receipt for the bus pass, and returned to the Finance Office, St Mary’s, Barkly Street, Bendigo.
Conveyance Allowance Application Form 3 - Public Transport Travel
Conveyance Allowance Application Form 1 - Private Car Travel Only
URBAN BUS TRAVEL (School Bus Specials)
Refer to the current timetable to check for the best option for your student. Travel on these buses is paid by using tap on tap off myki or by purchasing a yearly student bus pass.
Travellers who reside more than 4.8kms from the College may be eligible for Conveyance Allowance. This allowance is only available to those travellers who have purchased a bus pass.
How to Purchase a myki Bus Pass
It is not compulsory for travellers to have a bus pass; casual travellers can use a tap on tap off myki. (Note for casual travellers - top up is no longer possible on the bus and the myki must be ready for travel.)
Purchasing a bus pass is a 2-step process – firstly families must:
- Obtain a Student Travel Concession Card, forms are available from the General Office, or online
PTV School Student ID and Student Pass application form
- Complete the form and affix two passport-sized photos (Grade 6 school photos are acceptable).
- Attend the General Office at Coolock or St Mary’s to have the form signed by College staff, then attend Bendigo Station to purchase the card and myki bus pass.
Handy links and downloads:
COUNTRY BUS NETWORK
Students who reside in areas serviced by the School Bus Program, including some areas of Strathfieldsaye, are eligible for country bus travel. Travel on the country bus network is free to eligible travellers.
All families that have students in Years 7 and 10 in 2025 are required to apply for travel at the:
Student Transport Assistance Portal
Student Transport Assistance Portal (STAP)
Handy links and downloads:
Quick Reference Guide for Applicants and Travellers
School Bus Program - Eligibility Guide for Families
CMCB CHARTER BUS SERVICE
The College runs a Charter Service for students in the areas of Eppalock, Axe Creek, Mandurang, Sedgwick, Strathfieldsaye and Junortoun. It provides support to the Country Network services in these areas and allows a direct route to the Junortoun campus.
There is a cap on the number of seats available. Students who are successful will only travel on this service and will no longer be eligible for the Country Service that they may previously have travelled on.
All approved CMCB Charter Travellers are required to complete the Conveyance Allowance Form. Further information is sent in Term 4 regarding Charter Bus positions for the following academic year, after the Expression of Interest has closed.
Please contact the Bus Coordinator for further information Ms Erin Varker.
Expression of Interest Form for the CMCB Charter Service
CMCB Route 1 - EPPALOCK – EMU CREEK – MANDURANG – JUNORTOUN
Departs from Bus Bay 8 at Coolock Campus in the afternoon.
CMCB Route 2 - MANDURANG SOUTH – STRATHFIELDSAYE – JUNORTOUN
Departs from Bus Bay 9 at Coolock Campus in the afternoon.
CASTLEMAINE BUS SERVICE
Castlemaine and district travellers may access the Castlemaine direct service by completing the form below and emailing to the Bus Coordinator, Erin Varker at evarker@cmc.vic.edu.au
