23 Dec 2015 Wangaratta Chronicle, Wangaratta VIC (General News) THOUSANDS of regional Victorian families accessing the School Bus Program are set to save hundreds of dollars a year in student bus fares. Jaclyn Symes (MLC, Northern Victoria) said the complicated system of bus fares will have a single fare for travel. Currently, students not attending their closest government or nongovernment denominational school pay annual bus fares ranging from $480 to $1240, depending on the distance travelled, she said. From 2016, these students will be able to travel at a reduced rate of $480 per annum. Ms Symes said the change was prompted by public feedback and the reduction in fares will enable greater choice in selecting schools and transport options for families and lighten the workload on school administrators. The improvements do not affect families eligible for free bus travel. Copyright Agency licensed copy (www.copyright.com.au