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 practicable 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 from the travel terminal servicing the student's or non-student traveller's permanent home, to the travel terminal servicing the study location.

In circumstances where 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 including:

• rail fare with sleeping berth
• economy air fare
• motor vehicle allowance (where travel by motor vehicle is necessary), or
• the actual cost of chartered transport

The cost of chartered transport, including taxis, hire cars, ferries or helicopters, may be approved in respect of all or part of the journey where any 1 of the following circumstances apply:

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

Prior to approval of chartered transport costs, delegates need to ensure that the travel expenditure meets the above requirements and that the expenditure is within their delegation level. See the Resources page.