Determining the appropriate mode of transport for ABSTUDY Fares Allowance (FAA) 010-02100090

The appropriate mode of transport for a journey qualifying for ABSTUDY FAA is:

• the most practical and cost-effective mode of transport for the journey, and
• reasonable in the circumstances

This is usually an economy class rail or bus service that travels the most direct route between the travel terminals that service the student's or non-student traveller's:

• permanent home, and
• study location

If it is not reasonable or practical for the student or non-student traveller to travel by economy class rail or bus service, FAA entitlement may be approved for the most cost-effective mode of transport for all or part of the journey. This includes:

• rail fare with sleeping berth
• economy air fare
• motor vehicle allowance, or
• chartered transport

The cost of chartered transport, including taxis, hire cars, ferries, planes or helicopters, may be approved for all or part of the journey where:

• there is no public transport or regular air service available, or
• the use of regular air service will result in an unreasonable number of missed days of school, or
• the use of chartered transport is cost-effective, or
• the use of chartered transport is reasonable in view of the distance or terrain

Prior to approval of chartered transport costs, delegates need to make sure the travel expenditure:

• meets the above requirements, and
• is within their delegation level. See the Resources page