Media Release by The Hon Jenny Macklin MP

National Transport Concessions for Victorian Seniors Card holders

Joint Media Release with:

  • Lisa Mary Neville MLA, Minister for Senior Victorians

Victorian Seniors will be able to access new transport concessions when they travel interstate after 1 January as a new national scheme begins to roll out.

Seniors visiting Victoria will also be able to get concession fares on Victorian public transport providing more incentives for grey nomads to spend their tourist dollars in Victoria.

The Australian Government has offered more than $6.2 million over four years to the Victorian Government so that it can provide concessions to Seniors Card holders from interstate who are using public transport services outside their home state.

Until now, Victorian Seniors Cards have only entitled the holder to public transport concessions in Victoria.

“The new arrangements will mean seniors travelling interstate can now access cheaper fares on local transport in their destination city,” Ms Macklin said.

“For example a Victorian Seniors Card holder travelling to Sydney will be able to access seniors’ fares on the Sydney Harbour ferry services.”

Victorian seniors will also get concession fares on bus and train travel in other states and territories, through the scheme.

“I encourage Victorian seniors to make the most of these new discounts and holiday in Australia.

“This will also be a boost for the Victorian economy as the cost of travelling in Victoria will now reduce for Seniors Card holders from interstate,” Ms Neville said.

A uniform system across Australia will help seniors travel interstate to see family and friends.

Making it more affordable for seniors to travel within Australia will also help communities and businesses that are dependent on tourism.

These new arrangements will begin to roll out from 1 January 2009. The scheme will commence 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.