Implementing Standing Orders for Students on Public Transport: A Beneficial Move?

Offering a seat to someone in need while on a train, tram, or bus extends beyond mere etiquette—it’s often a legal obligation in certain states.
Previously, it was unquestionable that a child would relinquish their seat for an adult, particularly an elderly or incapacitated individual, if seating was limited on public transport. However, contemporary scenarios often depict seniors, expectant mothers, or individuals with mobility aids standing while young passengers, notably students, remain seated.

The rationale behind younger individuals yielding their seats varies, from notions of courtesy and respect to practical considerations and economic arguments—given that children and students pay reduced fares, some argue they are less entitled to a comfortable ride.
Yet, what transpires when someone declines to vacate their seat for a person in need? Policies governing this conduct diverge across transport authorities nationwide.

In New South Wales: Transport New South Wales advocates for offering seats to those in greater need, including seniors, individuals with disabilities or reduced mobility, pregnant women, or those accompanying children, however, standing orders are not made by law. Although it’s not an offense to withhold a seat, intentionally disrupting others’ comfort is legally prohibited—similar to acts like placing feet on seats, smoking, alcohol consumption, obstructing doors, or using offensive language. On buses, drivers can request passengers in priority seating to relocate for those requiring it.

In Queensland: Translink in Queensland aligns with the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002, mandating priority seating on public transport for passengers with disabilities, seniors, expectant mothers, and adults accompanying children. Although no legislative mandate exists for students to vacate seats for others, the Passenger Code of Conduct encourages leaving priority seats free. It emphasises that not all disabilities are evident and encourages kindness and courtesy toward fellow travellers. While students traveling on concession fares are suggested to yield their seats to adults in crowded situations, this remains a matter of etiquette without a legal obligation in Queensland.

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