The start of school also brings subsidised tickets: check prices and news

With the start of the new school year approaching, subsidized public transport tickets for trains and buses across Slovenia have become available for purchase. Students can apply for these discounted passes starting today, while university students will be able to submit their applications beginning September 21. The initiative aims to provide affordable mobility options for young people, ensuring access to education and other essential services throughout the country. The monthly pass, which includes unlimited intercity travel within Slovenia, costs €25 for students and €200 annually. Additional options include a monthly ticket for 10 trips at a lower cost and specialized passes tailored for registered athletes, offering further discounts. For those requiring both intercity and local bus travel, additional fees apply, €10 monthly and €100 annually. In certain cities such as Kranj, Koper, Novo mesto, Murska Sobota, Krško, and Celje, student passes are offered free of charge. All annual passes remain valid until the end of August next year. Applications for subsidized tickets can be submitted online through the eUprava portal or in person at designated sales points with the presentation of personal identification documents. Once approved, eligible individuals can purchase their tickets via the IJPP website. According to the Public Transport Management Company (DUJPP), adjustments to public transport schedules have been made to align with school timetables. Since the implementation of new concessions, 47 municipalities have successfully integrated their school transportation into the public transit system. This integration represents a crucial step toward more accessible, efficient, and sustainable public transport. Collaboration with local communities will continue in future years, according to Aleksander Đurić, head of bus operations at DUJPP. As the new academic year begins, temporary disruptions are anticipated at Ljubljana railway station. All temporary platforms in Ljubljana will be removed, and all trains will resume operating from and to the main Ljubljana station. Passengers using the temporary bus station located on Masarykova Street should expect occasional delays and operational challenges during the initial weeks of the school year. These issues primarily stem from the construction of the Ljubljana Passenger Center, traffic congestion, increased road load, and the adjustment to the new layout of temporary platforms. DUJPP has requested users and stakeholders to show understanding, patience, and tolerance during this transition period. According to experiences shared by transport providers, there may be temporary overcrowding on specific routes across Slovenia in the early days of September as students and pupils adjust their travel patterns to new school schedules. Typically, conditions stabilize by the second week of the school year. DUJPP advises group travelers to avoid scheduling public transport use during peak times when students and pupils are traveling to and from school. This recommendation is based on past experiences indicating that situations usually normalize quickly after the initial few days. Preparations for the new school year began last year in collaboration with relevant ministries, local communities, schools, and transport operators. Changes to bus schedules were primarily planned based on the needs of schools and local communities, aiming to ensure appropriate and reliable connections to educational institutions nationwide. Subsidized tickets for the 2026/27 school and study year will be available for students, university students, and participants in adult education programs. Applications for student tickets can be submitted from August 21, while university students can begin submitting theirs on September 21. Applications can be submitted electronically through the eUprava portal or in person at sales points with the submission of personal documents. After approval, tickets can be purchased online via the IJPP portal. Municipalities contribute to enhanced accessibility of public transport. Before the start of the new school year, 14 municipalities joined the co-financing of subsidized tickets for their residents. The inclusion of school transportation into the public transit system continues. Since the introduction of new concessions, 47 municipalities have already integrated their school transportation into the public transit network. This integration contributes to better utilization of existing connections and greater accessibility of public transport for other members of local communities. Temporary increases in vehicle occupancy may occur in the first days of the new school year as students and pupils adjust their travel patterns to new school schedules. Travelers are advised to check current schedules before traveling and, if possible, plan trips well in advance. It is also recommended to avoid scheduling large groups' use of public transport during peak hours when students and pupils are using it to go to and from school. Experience shows that conditions typically stabilize quickly after the initial few days.