The biggest bus fleet in the history of Schoolies will help keep young South Australians safe this weekend as they head to Victor Harbor to mark the end of Year 12.
Regional students are the big winners, with the new express services providing free return transport from the Riverland, Mid North, Eyre Peninsula, Limestone Coast, and Yorke Peninsula under the scheme which sees the State Government partnering with Encounter Youth.
Extra departure locations have also been added across metropolitan Adelaide, with services now available at Gawler, Athelstone, Port Adelaide, Adelaide CBD, and Hallett Cove. Previously, the bus service has only departed from the Adelaide Central Bus Station.
All up, there will be 12 departure location options for students to choose from. All buses are scheduled to depart on Friday 21 November and return on Monday 24 November.
Once at the event, continuous shuttle buses will help school leavers get to and from their accommodation. The services will be running across the three-day event, connecting passengers to Victor Harbor, Encounter Bay, Middleton, Port Elliot and Goolwa.
Students are encouraged to book their spot on the free bus service through the Encounter Youth (external site) website.
Drivers should remember that additional rules apply to provisional licence holders. P1 and P2 licence holders must not drive with any alcohol or drugs in their system, drive a high-powered vehicle, or drive more than 100km/h even if
the local speed limit allows. P1 drivers aged 25 years and under are also subject to passenger and night-driving restrictions.
SA Police Superintendent Joanna Howard said excessive drinking remained one of the big concerns during Schoolies.
"If you’ve been drinking, don’t get behind the wheel, as there are plenty of transport options available both within and between local towns," Superintendent Howard said.
She said officers from SA Police’s Road Safety Section would be visiting caravan parks in the region to offer voluntary breath testing.
"Our goal is to help everyone enjoy the event safely. Please reach out to us if you need assistance or simply come and say hello,” she said.
Encounter Youth CEO Nigel Knowles said the organisation was proud to partner with the State Government to deliver expanded bus services.
"This initiative strengthens our commitment to supporting young people to celebrate responsibly while prioritising their safety and wellbeing," Mr Knowles said.
"We encourage parents to have a conversation with their young person about safe travel choices and to take advantage of the free Schoolies Festival Bus Service as the safest and most reliable way to travel to, from, and around the Fleurieu Peninsula during the Schoolies Festival weekend."
Up to date information on the Schoolies Festival can be found here.
