A petition has been launched to stop the NSW government from cutting the $250 Regional Seniors Travel Card. The regional seniors travel card provides eligible seniors living in regional, rural and remote areas of NSW with a $250 prepaid card to help ease the cost of travel. You can use the card at certain retailers to pay for pre-booked NSW TrainLink regional trains and coaches, fuel and taxis. The NSW Regional Seniors Travel Card was initially trialed for two years, starting in 2020. This trial was extended by another two years, meaning that the NSW Regional Seniors Travel Card as a scheme will expire at the end of this year unless made permanent. The Combined Pensioners & Superannuants Association of NSW (CPSA) commends the NSW Government for bringing in the NSW Regional Seniors Travel Card, but it is now time for both the NSW Government and the NSW Opposition to acknowledge the success of the NSW Regional Seniors Travel Card and commit to keeping it going.
Duty MLC for Monaro Bronnie Taylor said she hopes the petition will save the card from being axed in the upcoming budget.
“The Regional Seniors Travel Card has become a local lifeline for communities across the Monaro electorate,” Ms Taylor said.
“The pre-paid Visa helps our seniors maintain their independence by allowing them to visit their loved ones or run important errands when they need to.
It is hoped to get as many people as possible to sign the online petition to convince the NSW Government to keep funding this important cost-of-living measure.
Since 2020 more than one million cards have been issued easing the cost of travel for seniors.
“We all know someone in our community who uses and relies on the Regional Seniors Travel Card, and we all have an important reason to fight for it,” Ms Taylor said.
“I am encouraging everyone to share this petition with your family and friends so we can show just how important the Regional Seniors Travel Card is.
“It would be devastating to see another great regional initiative sacrificed to prioritise another city project.”
To sign the petition, go to www.savethetravelcard.com.au
