The cost of travel for seniors living in regional, remote and rural areas can be higher than those living in the city. The regional seniors travel card helps to alleviate these costs and enables seniors to go about their daily lives, attend medical appointments and stay connected with friends and family living in other parts of the state.
The $250 prepaid Visa card is designed to ease some of the financial pressures associated with regional travel.
The card can be used to:
- purchase fuel
- pay for taxis
- book NSW TrainLink regional train and coach services.
Taking the financial worry out of travel
Since the introduction of the regional seniors travel card in 2020, the program has been expanded to seniors on a Carer Payment or Disability Support Pension. This change has meant more seniors are able to travel without feeling restrained for essential appointments or for participation in social events.
A new contactless smartcard launched in 2022 and can now be managed online. The option of a contactless card makes payments safer and easier for cardholders. Providing more affordable travel for seniors also helps to support the local economy in regional, remote and rural NSW.
Applications for this year’s card close 30 November 2022
Eligible seniors have until 30 November 2022 to apply for this year’s card. Seniors living in designated regional, rural and remote areas of NSW can apply for a travel card if they have reached 66 years and 6 months (Age Pension age) and are receiving any of the following:
- the Age Pension
- a Service, Disability or War Widow(er)’s pension from the Department of Veterans Affairs
- a Disability Support Pension or Carer Payment from Services Australia
- hold a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card.
Find out more about the regional seniors travel card.
To find out more about the NSW Government’s plan to respond to the opportunities and challenges of our ageing population, visit Ageing Well in NSW: Seniors Strategy 2021–2031.
More than 300,000 people have signed up to the NSW regional seniors travel card
- Highest take up in local government areas of Murray River, Muswellbrook and Bogan.
- More than 4380 cards have been approved for seniors on a Carer’s Payment.
- Nearly 20% of eligible seniors on a Disability Support Pension have signed up.
- Most popular purchase on the card is fuel, followed by taxi trips, train and bus fares.
Video
Sally’s use of the regional seniors travel card
Sally tells her experience about how she registered for her regional seniors travel card. She explains how the card helps her stay in touch with people and get on with life.
Sally’s use of the Regional Seniors Travel card
Source: Image supplied by Transport for NSW.