What is BusSAFE?

BusSAFE is an award-winning school incursion program for bus specific road safety education.

An initiative of the bus industry, BusSAFE is the first nationally co-ordinated program of its type in Australia. Our fun, interactive presentations are aligned to the Australian Curriculum (HPE, D&T) for years Foundation to 9.

BusSAFE sessions have measurable impact. Independent evaluation of BusSAFE by researchers at the University of Sydney indicated a positive shift in safety behaviour among participating students. BusSAFE was also recognised as ‘School Program of the Year’ at the 2025 Australian Road Safety Awards.

Bus safety is a shared responsibility between industry, schools and the community. Bus operator or school? Get involved and help equip young passengers with the skills to travel safely.

Travel Safely, Together.

Thousands of Australian students travel by bus to school every day.

Buses are one of the safest modes of transportation, but accidents and near-miss incidents still happen. When they do, it is usually due to high-risk behaviour through lack of safety awareness, particularly after alighting the bus.**

Between 1989 and 2020, there were 90 fatalities involving buses carrying school-aged children. Half of these fatalities were people not in a vehicle, such as pedestrians and cyclists.*

Teaching simple bus safety strategies can help avoid some of these preventable accidents. Research suggests that, alongside technological and transport infrastructure improvements, safety awareness education is a critical element of safer student
travel.**

“For kids that catch a bus twice a day, or for kids that do not access a bus, this information was vital for their safety. I learnt so much too!"

Junior Primary Teacher, Rendelsham, SA

“The presenter explained how important it is to be aware of your surroundings when boarding or exiting the bus." 

Year 7 Student, Sunshine Coast, QLD

“Engaging presenter, involvement and high engagement of students throughout.”

Luke

Deputy Principal, Freeling Primary School, SA

“Drivers … have noticed real change, students are reminding peers to wear seatbelts and ditch earbuds around buses. That’s the kind of early intervention that creates safer journeys for everyone.” 

Bus Operator, Launceston, TAS

"The information was relevant and the time on the actual bus very worthwhile."

Assistant Primary Principal , Sunshine Coast, QLD

“I really liked how there were different modes of communication - videos, stories from the driver, practically getting onto the bus, photos, questions, lots of engagement”

Primary Teacher, Molesworth, TAS

“Students were particularly interested in safety aspects of a bus and what to do if something goes wrong. Having a physical bus there for students to put the learning into practice was excellent.”

Ashley

Principal, Owen Primary School, SA.

"These sessions provided us with a common language and set the expectations for all students. We are able to refer to this session as a point of reference and have been able to deal with student behaviour quickly."

Primary Teacher, Gladstone, SA

"We learned that buses are big so you need to stand 2 metres back from the kerb. I had fun today!” 

Junior Primary Student, Hobart, TAS

The Bus Industry Encourages Schools To Get On Board.

Drivers like Brenton have seen first-hand how increased student understanding of basic bus safety principles can minimise accidents and near misses in and around buses.

Latest News

Our New Partners: Irizar Asia Pacific and Volvo Bus Australia

BusSAFE are thrilled to announce new partnerships with Irizar Asia Pacific and Volvo Bus Australia, collaborations that reflect a shared commitment to safer student bus travel.

Introducing our new partners: transportme

BusSAFE are excited to announce our partnership with transportme, a collaboration that reflects a shared commitment to safe student bus travel.

4 Steps to Bus Safety: a Downloadable PDF for Your School Community

Our key messages in one easy-to-read poster to share or print.

Ready for Your School to Become BusSAFE?

Learn more about our program or register your interest using the buttons below.

BusSAFE gratefully acknowledges the support of: