Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall is urging the region’s senior citizens to apply for their new $250 Regional Seniors Travel Cards later this month.
Thursday, 7 January 2021.
MORE than 8,000 Northern Tablelands senior citizens have benefited from the first year of the regional seniors travel card trial, with local State MP Adam Marshall today announcing applications for the second year would open later this month.
The Regional Seniors Travel Card is a $250 prepaid VISA card designed to assist eligible seniors in rural, regional and remote areas of NSW off-set the cost of essential travel expenses.
Mr Marshall said during 2020, the first year of the trial, 8,085 cards were obtained across the region, unlocking $2,021,250 worth of free travel for more than 8,000 local seniors.
“The regional seniors travel card has been an overwhelming success, ensuring local seniors have affordable travel options to attend medical appointments, buy groceries, and visit friends and family,” Mr Marshall said.
“The take-up of assistance in the Armidale Regional Council area was impressive with 2,367 cards issued, while in the Inverell Shire 2,177 cards were accessed.
“Able to be used for pre-booked NSW Trainlink Regional trains and coaches, fuel and taxis, the cards really have made travelling more accessible and convenient for our seniors who often have less transport options than those living in the city.
“I’m pleased our residents will again have this opportunity this year and I encourage all eligible seniors to apply through Service NSW after Monday, 18 January.”
Eligible seniors have from 18 January to 30 November 2021 to apply for a card.
Seniors must be an age pensioner with a valid Pensioner Concession Card or hold a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card issued by either the Department of Human Services or Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
Applications for the card can be made online at www.service.nsw.gov.au by calling 13 77 88 or by visiting a Service NSW Service Centre.
Regional Seniors Travel (RST) Cards by Local Government Area in 2020
| LGA | No. of RST cards issued | $ value |
| Armidale Regional | 2,367 | $591,750 |
| Glen Innes Severn | 1,280 | $320,000 |
| Gwydir Shire | 761 | $190,250 |
| Inverell Shire | 2,177 | $544,250 |
| Moree Plains Shire | 890 | $222,500 |
| Uralla Shire | 610 | $152,500 |