Cheaper fares for seniors around Australia
Seniors around Australia are now able to access concession fares on most interstate public transport systems as a new national scheme begins to rollout.
From 1 January, the new national scheme started rolling out to allow seniors to use their concession cards outside their home state.
The scheme will provide incentives for grey nomads to spend their tourist dollars in Australia and is a boost for communities and businesses that depend on tourism.
When fully operational, over three million Australians who hold seniors cards will benefit.
The Australian Government has offered almost $50 million over four years to State and Territory Governments so that they can provide concessions to Seniors Card holders who are using public transport services outside their home state.
Australian Government funding to states and territories for a national concession transport scheme for seniors.
| State | Funding from Australian Government |
|---|---|
| NSW | $22,649,177 |
| Vic | $6,272,885 |
| SA | $1,401,448 |
| ACT | $648,867 |
| TAS | $431,995 |
| NT | $277,888 |
Until now, Seniors Cards have only entitled the holder to public transport concession in their home state.
The scheme will make it more affordable for seniors to visit friends and families outside their home state.
The new arrangements will mean seniors travelling interstate can now access cheaper fares on local transport in their destination city.
The scheme has commenced on 1 January in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory.
Discussions with the Western Australian and Queensland governments are continuing.
In the meantime, from 1 January 2009 Queensland will begin offering concessions on its urban public transport to interstate concession holders