New South Wales Deputy Premier John Barilaro

$250 Travel Card For Seniors Living In Rural And Regional New South Wales

Victor P Taffa

New South Wales Liberals & Nationals Government will make life a little easier for seniors doing it tough in regional and rural New South Wales, thanks to a new $250 Regional Seniors Transport Card.

Seniors with a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card and aged pensioners living in Regional New South Wales will benefit from the initiative. The Card can be used for fuel and taxis from participating providers in rural and regional New South Wales and pre-booked New South Wales TrainLink train and coach services, easing the pressure on seniors to access essential services.

Deputy Premier Barilaro made the announcement in Ballina today with Nationals candidate for Ballina Ben Franklin, Lismore Candidate Austin Curtin and Member for Tweed Geoff Provest.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional New South Wales John Barilaro said the New South Wales Liberals & Nationals Government is committed to reducing the cost of living for seniors.

“I’m very proud to announce the Regional Seniors Transport Card.” Deputy Premier Barilaro said.

“Nationals are unapologetic about doing everything we can to support our regional seniors. Many people in the city wouldn’t realise how hard it can be to get to a local doctor or to see your family.”

“Travel is one of the most significant household costs faced by those living across rural and regional New South Wales and with further distances to travel, country seniors rely more heavily on their cars that means more fuel and more money.” Deputy Premier Barilaro said.

Regional Seniors Transport Card policy follows a recommendation from the 2016 New South Wales Parliamentary Committee on Community Services into the access to Transport for Seniors and Disadvantaged People in Rural and Regional New South Wales.

Nationals Candidate for Ballina Ben Franklin welcomed the announcement.

“This initiative is just another way the New South Wales Liberals & Nationals Government is helping reduce the cost of living for households in Ballina, the North Coast and across the State.” Mr. Franklin said.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Regional Seniors Transport Card will be renewable on an annual basis for 2 years and is available for aged pensioners and seniors with a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card who live in regional New South Wales.

New South Wales Liberals & Nationals Government also provides concession fares to seniors, including $2.50 capped all-day travel with a Country Pensioner Excursion Ticket on New South Wales TrainLink Services and Regional Excursion Daily on privately-operated local buses.

Initiative complements the suite of cost of living measures already announced by the Government including an expanded Seniors Card and energy rebates for self-funded retirees in addition to existing rebates for pensioners and families.