A provider is nominated from the ASTP Prequalification Scheme (SCM100001) based on the Contractors ASTP Scheme membership capabilities.

Other factors that may be considered include:

• vehicle type
• driver experience
• need for an Assisted Travel Support Officer (ATSO)
• information from schools
• student's specific transport requirements, based on behavioural or medical needs.

The run is then offered to a contractor and paid based on the number of loaded kilometres (when students are present in the vehicle), taking into account the required vehicle pay category and whether an ATSO is listed on the run card.

Variation to a run

If the number of students allocated to the run changes, the ASTP may conduct a review and offer an option to the provider to maintain the run but at a different payment category.

Payments will vary when students and/or ATSOs are permanently removed/added from a run. The variation will only apply to the loaded kilometres if the distance for the run changes.

Variations will not be made to payments for temporary student absences (up to 20 continuous business days).

There will be no further payments made when a run is terminated by the ASTP where a student has been absent for 20 continuous business days.

Variations to payments will be made if additional distances are required during approved emergency situations.

Progressive reviews

During each school term student numbers may change as students join or leave the ASTP. To ensure runs are maintained effectively and efficiently, the ASTP will review runs accordingly.

In the event of any changes, notice will be given to providers if runs are to be modified.

In the event of an immediate termination by the ASTP, which is not related to performance of service, the notice of change will be provided immediately and the provider will receive 20 days' payment in compensation.

Where the contractor has received 20 or more business days' notice, no compensation will be made.

As part of an annual rollover of students, the ASTP starts to plan run allocations in Term 4 of each school year.

During this process, current runs are reviewed and student needs are assessed for the next school year.

Unless otherwise stated, all transport runs end on the last day of the school year. This means that one of the following will happen:

• the run ends and no longer exists
• the run changes due to student needs and it may be consolidated and allocated to another contractor
• the run remains the same.

The ASTP makes every effort to keep runs consistent from one year to the next whenever possible.

Mapping of runs

The ASTP uses Google Maps to determine the loaded kilometres of a run and this determination is used for payment purposes.

Runs are mapped based on the distance from the student pick-up point to the nominated destination at the school.

Where more than one student is allocated to a run, the loaded kilometres will be calculated using the student located the furthest distance from the school and the route will be selected using the shortest most practical route to collect each student on the run and deliver all students to the nominated school(s).

The contractor may view the mapped route using the mapping module on ASTP Online.