EVEN MORE REGIONAL SENIORS TO GET MOVING WITH TRAVEL CARD

Almost 4,000 seniors in the region have successfully signed up for the new $250 Regional Seniors Travel Card since applications opened on 29 January.

Member for Tamworth, Kevin Anderson said eligible seniors will soon receive their cards, easing the burden of travel costs and injecting more than $25 million into regional economies.

“As result of my representations to Minister Toole, the eligibility requirements are being widened and this is great news for the thousands of rural and regional seniors applying for the card.

“The eligibility criteria will now include pension-aged veterans collecting a Service Pension or recipients of a War Widow Pension through the Department of Veterans Affairs.

“Applications for these individuals will open in the near future as we do the necessary work to incorporate their details in our system. We would like to thank veterans and widows for their patience as we complete this work. 

“This Transport Card is proving welcome news as it puts $250 in the pocket of regional seniors, which can mean an extra few trips to visit grandkids living in other parts of the state, the ease of staying connected locally or the ability to volunteer in local community groups.

“If you live in places like Nundle, Barraba, Werris Creek, Manilla, Bendemeer, Walcha, Mullaley or Tambar Springs, this card can help you put fuel in your car or grab a bus or taxi. 

“In the Tamworth Local Government Area, there have already been 2,851 applications, in the Gunnedah LGA, 550, Liverpool Plains LGA, 420 and Walcha LGA, 95.

“There is also great news for Walcha residents as they can now apply for their Regional Seniors Transport Card at the Service NSW agency in the Council Chambers.  

“We know this card will help strengthen family ties, make it easier to visit specialist health professionals or even just take a break somewhere else.

“This card is really easy to use, with participants predominately purchasing fuel, followed by taxi rides, but can also be used to purchase pre-booked TrainLink services.”

“Eligible seniors have until 30 November to apply for a card in 2020 and 12 months to use their card from activation,” Mr Anderson concluded. 

Seniors can apply online at service.nsw.gov.au, in person at a Service NSW Service Centre or over the phone on 13 77 88