The NSW Liberals & Nationals in Government will ease the cost of travel for rural and regional seniors from January 2020, through the rollout of the $250 Regional Seniors Transport Card.
Member for Tweed Geoff Provest said the $250 Regional Seniors’ Transport Card was announced during the 2019 NSW State Election campaign and will help thousands of seniors in the bush.
“Travel is one of the most significant household costs for residents living in regional NSW, and the NSW Liberals & Nationals in Government are committed to reducing that cost for seniors,” Mr Provest said.
“The $250 can be used for fuel and taxis from participating providers in rural and regional NSW, and, pre-booked NSW TrainLink services.”
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the initiative complemented a suite of cost of living measures already rolled out.
“We know it can be a bit challenging for country seniors to travel to medical appointments or to see loved ones,” Mr Toole said.
“With further distances to travel, they rely more heavily on private travel which can be a more expensive option.
“This initiative will ease the pressure on seniors to access essential services and help address cost of living pressures in the bush.”
The Regional Seniors’ Transport Card policy follows a recommendation from the 2016 NSW Parliamentary Committee on Community Services into the access to Transport for Seniors and Disadvantaged People in Rural and Regional NSW.
Seniors must be living in Regional NSW, outside Newcastle and Wollongong City Council boundaries, and be either an aged pensioner or a Commonwealth Senior Health Cardholder.
Further details about the rollout of the $250 Regional Seniors’ Transport Cards will be made available later in the year.