Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch is encouraging Peninsula seniors to apply for the second round of the Regional Seniors Travel Card scheme, aimed at helping older Australians cut their transport costs and get out and about.
The $250 card can be used at certain retailers to pay for fuel, Opal payments, taxis, and pre-booked NSW Trainlink regional trains and coaches and is valid for 14 months from the issue date.
“After the challenges of 2020, this is a great opportunity for our seniors to get out and about, reconnect with their wider community, and support local small businesses,” Tesch said.
“Access to public transport is essential for our older Central Coast residents, particularly for those on the Peninsula, where a significant proportion of the population are over the age of 65, might have restricted licences or are worried about expensive local fuel.
“Given the enthusiasm for the program last year, it’s clear the NSW Government needs to ensure that they provide long term help for seniors to access public transport and other cost of living support.
“While the travel card is popular, it was only introduced last year for a two-year trial period.”
The program will again be facilitated through Service NSW with successful applicants receiving their cards within 10 working days.
Seniors should ensure they activate their card within 45 days of receiving it.
They then have 14 months to use the card before it expires.
Those wishing to take advantage of the program must be age pensioners with a valid Pensioner Concession Card, or hold a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card or DVA Veteran Gold Card issued by either the Department of Human Services or Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
They must also permanently live in regional NSW outside Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong.
To apply for a regional seniors travel card, or to learn more about the scheme, seniors can call 13 77 88 or visit https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/regionalseniorstravel.
Source: Jan 20
Media release
Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch