What Seniors Travel Discounts can I get in my state?
- Replies 5
As the travel industry slowly recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, many Australians are looking forward to hitting the road again. But the cost of travel can be a significant barrier. To help make travel more accessible, many Australian states and territories offer travel discounts and concessions for seniors over 60 and pensioners.
In this article, we will provide a state-by-state breakdown of what discounts and concessions are available to older Australians looking to explore their own backyard. From discounted public transport to courtesy buses, we will explore the various options available to help seniors travel more affordably.
Read on to find out what benefits you are eligible for!
Eligible seniors (ACT residents aged over 70) and concession MyWay card holders travel for free between 9am and 4.30pm and after 6pm on weekdays and all day Saturday, Sunday and on public holidays.
Remember to ensure your MyWay card has a positive balance and to tap on and tap off correctly to access free travel during off-peak times.
Both Pensioner Concession Card and Commonwealth Health Care Card Holders are eligible.
To receive this benefit, you need to apply for a Concession MyWay card.
You will need to present your concession card to a MyWay Recharge Agent. You must present your card to an agent each time your concession is renewed to maintain your concession fare entitlement.
Pensioner Travel Vouchers
If you hold a NSW or ACT Pensioner Concession Card or a NSW War Widow/er transport concession card, you are entitled to four Pensioner Travel Vouchers each calendar year for travel within regional NSW.
This scheme assists people who have a severe disability that prevents them from using public transport for a minimum period of 6 months. The scheme provides a subsidy towards the cost of taxi transport. For more information, contact the ACT Taxi Subsidy Scheme at (02) 6207 0028 (Selection Option 5, Sub Option 1), or visit their website.
Courtesy Bus
Many RSLs offer a free courtesy bus that will collect you from your home. Speak to your local RSL for more information.
A Seniors Card+go is the easiest way to pay for public transport in South-East Queensland. It combines the discount of a Seniors Card with the convenience of the TransLink go card into one card.
Apply for a Seniors Card+go.
A concession fare is 50% cheaper than an adult fare, and some concession card holders are eligible for free travel on Translink, qconnect and regional ferry services.
The following groups can travel on a 50 per cent concession fare (please check for eligibility and conditions of travel):
If you have one of the following cards, you will receive free travel: (please check for eligibility and conditions of travel)
Seniors Card +go is FREE, so you won't pay the usual $5 refundable deposit.
To apply:
You must pay a $5 refundable deposit and add a minimum of $5 credit to your card before you can travel.
Paper concession tickets can be bought:
Queensland Rail
Concession Card holders are entitled to four (4) Queensland rail entitlements each calendar year. To use your entitlements, you must have a valid Concession Card at the time of ticketing.
The following Concession Card holders are eligible for four (4) rail entitlements each calendar year to travel on long-distance services across Queensland.
On presentation of a current Australian state or territory Government Seniors Card, customers will receive a discount of up to 50% off the full adult rail fare on Queensland Rail Travel network services. Meals and upgrades to sleeping berths are additional costs.
On presentation of a current Seniors Business Discount Card, customers will receive a discount of up to 15% off the full adult rail fare on Queensland Rail Travel network services. Meals and upgrades to sleeping berths are additional costs.
For Veterans
Veterans in possession of a TPI or TPI/EDA Veterans Travel Pass are entitled to one return journey on Queensland Rail Travel long-distance rail services each fortnight.
The travel entitlement covers Business, Premium Economy and Economy Seats.
If the cardholder exceeds their entitlement for the fortnight, they are entitled to half-fare travel as often as they wish.
Taxi Subsidy Scheme and Lift Payment
The Taxi Subsidy Scheme (TSS) subsidises taxi travel—half of the total fare, up to a maximum of $30 per trip—for people with severe disabilities.
You can find more information on eligibility and how to apply here.
The Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme (PTSS)
PTSS provides financial assistance for eligible patients to access specialist medical services not available locally.
If you live in Queensland and have been referred by a clinician to a specialist medical service that is unavailable at your local public hospital, you may be eligible for a subsidy.
You can register your interest here.
Courtesy Bus
Many RSLs offer a free courtesy bus that will collect you from your home. Speak to your local RSL for more information.
The gold pensioner Opal card gives you unlimited travel for no more than $2.50 a day on public transport services across the following regions:
Holders of one of the following cards are eligible:
How to apply
Veterans assessed at 10 impairment points or more under the Military, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA) may also be eligible. This pass is also available to certain Commonwealth and allied Second World War veterans who live permanently in NSW.
The pass entitles the holder to free travel on public transport in NSW.
For more information, please contact Transport for NSW on 131 500 or visit Ex-members of the Defence Force with a disability.
For more information, please contact Transport for NSW on 131 500 or visit NSW Blinded Soldier Pass.
Pensioner Travel Vouchers
If you hold a NSW or ACT Pensioner Concession Card or a NSW War Widow/er transport concession card, you are entitled to four Pensioner Travel Vouchers each calendar year for travel within regional NSW.
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, coaches, fuel, and taxis.
The regional seniors travel card program is available for a 4-year trial period (2020-2023).
Eligible seniors can apply for a card as follows:
Applications for 2023 (Year 4) open on 23 January 2023 and close on 30 November 2023.
Please allow up to 20 business days from the time of application for your card and PIN to arrive.
Community Transport
Community Transport is a government-subsidised scheme available in many regional areas. It supports people with limited transport options to live happy, healthy and fulfilling lives by making it easier to get around and stay socially connected.
It is specially designed to help eligible members of the community get to medical appointments, participate in social activities and maintain independent living at home.
Find out more about Community Transport.
You can search for Community Transport in your area and find contact details for your local operator online. See transportnsw.info/operators, then under ‘Filter by mode’, select ‘Community Transport’.
Subsidised Taxi Travel
If you are physically unable to use regular public transport services because of a severe and permanent disability, you may qualify for discounted taxi travel under the Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme.
The scheme provides discounts of up to half the metered fare to a maximum $60 subsidy per trip for travel in regular and wheelchair-accessible taxis.
Find out more about Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme
Courtesy Bus
Many RSLs offer a free courtesy bus that will collect you from your home. Speak to your local RSL for more information.
If you have a NT Seniors Card, you are entitled to free bus travel on public buses in Darwin and Alice Springs.
Simply show the driver your NT Seniors Card before stating your destination to get free travel.
You are entitled to concession fares if you hold a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card or Pensioner Concession Card.
You can find the fares below:
Travel on the Territory’s urban public bus network is free for the following:
Seniors, Pensioners and Carers card, Health Care card, Companion card, VET Card holders: entitled to unlimited bus travel for three hours on any scheduled public bus service from the time validation.
Disability taxi assistance
The following provides information on using taxis in the Northern Territory (NT) with a disability.
There are two financial assistance schemes you can apply for:
Transport Subsidy Scheme (TSS)
To access the TSS, you must be:
You then pay the remainder with cash, credit or debit card.
There are four levels of entitlement for the TSS - A, B, C and D.
Your circumstances will determine which one you're eligible for.
For more information, check out the NT TSS and LIS information bulletin.
If you meet the eligibility for the TSS, you may also be eligible for the Lift incentive scheme (LIS).
Lift Incentive Scheme (LIS):
To access the LIS, you must meet the same eligibility for the TSS and be reliant on a wheelchair.
For every journey you complete travelling in a wheelchair using a wheelchair-accessible vehicle (WAVs) such as a taxi or minibus, the LIS will provide a $20 incentive to the driver.
This payment is in recognition of the:
The lift incentive is not transferable or redeemable for cash and is not to be used as part of the fare.
How to apply
To apply, you must follow these steps:
Step 1. Fill in the transport subsidy scheme application or call the TSS office on 08 8924 7229 to get one mailed to you.
Step 2. Complete part A.
Step 3. Attach two passport-size photographs (one must be certified).
Step 4. Provide proof of NT residency, for example:
Step 6. Submit the application and supporting documents by mail or email to:
Transport subsidy scheme office
GPO Box 2520
Darwin NT 0801
[email protected]
Free bus for Palmerston seniors and mobility impaired
There is a free service for seniors and mobility-impaired Palmerston residents.
It runs to and from the medical facilities three times per day, Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays.
The shuttle bus is subject to availability, and 24 hours prior notice is essential.
Before you book
You must have a medical appointment at one of the following:
To be eligible, you must have one of the following:
To book, you need to provide all of the following:
Call 1300 978 995 and ask for the Palmerston Hospital bus.
Retirement Facilities (Free Transport)
Free transport is provided to and from the retirement facilities providing shopping and hospital transport for Leanyer Seniors Village, Fannie Bay and Tiwi Village Village Seniors. See the City of Darwin Seniors Directory for timetable information.
Courtesy Bus
Many RSLs offer a free courtesy bus that will collect you from your home. Speak to your local RSL for more information.
Your Pensioner Concession Card automatically entitles you to concession fares on Adelaide Metro.
Simply present the card when buying a ticket and always carry it when travelling.
For more information about concession fares check out the Adelaide Metro website.
South Australian Seniors Card members can also travel for free on Adelaide Metro buses, trains and trams – all day, every day.
Your Seniors Card is part of Adelaide's metroCARD public transport electronic ticketing system, which is operational on all buses, trains and trams. The Seniors Card has the metroCARD technology built in, which means you only have to carry one card to access discounts on goods and services and public transport.
Your Seniors Card is ready to use on public transport as soon as you receive it.
You'll need to validate your Seniors Card every time you board an Adelaide Metro bus, train or tram, even though your travel is free. To validate, hold the card against the validation machine. A beep and green light means that it has been validated properly.
New and replacement Seniors Cards are issued through the Seniors Card Unit. If you lose your Seniors Card or it gets stolen or stops working, use the Seniors Card member online services or contact the Seniors Card Unit at 1800 819 961 or email [email protected] and a replacement card will be provided to you at no cost.
Don't bend or puncture your Seniors Card, as it may damage the internal antenna or microchip. Don't expose your Seniors Card to static electricity, water or temperature extremes (such as a clothes dryer or car dashboard).
South Australian Transport Subsidy Scheme (SATSS)
The SATSS provides subsidised taxi fares for people with permanent and severe disabilities. For more information, call 1300 360 840 or visit their website.
Courtesy Bus
Many RSLs offer a free courtesy bus that will collect you from your home. Speak to your local RSL for more information.
The National Seniors Transport Scheme provides Seniors Card holders with concessions on public transport throughout Australia.
Tasmanian Seniors Card holders enjoy significant discounts and benefits on transport and travel, including:
Totally and Permanently Incapacitated (TPI) and Extreme Disablement Adjustment (EDA) pensioners are entitled to free travel on public bus services.
You must present your DVA Veteran Gold Card embossed with TPI or EDA. To travel on Metro bus services for free, you will need to apply for and use a Greencard.
Transport Access Scheme
A 50% concession on the cost of taxi travel is available to people:
A 60% concession on the cost of travel in a wheelchair-accessible taxi is available to people:
To apply for a Taxi Smartcard or an Australian Disability Parking Permit, you will need to download and submit the appropriate form.
If you do not have a Disability Parking Permit, download and complete the Transport Access Scheme application form.
If you already have a Disability Parking Permit, or if you have a Taxi Smartcard which needs to be updated for wheelchair taxi access, please use the Transport Access Scheme supplement application form.
Applications take approximately three weeks.
Spirit of Tasmania (TT-Line)
Discounted passenger fares are available to Services Australia or DVA Pensioner Concession Card cardholders. Cardholders must provide their pension card number when they book. The card must still be current at the date of travel and presented at check-in. Please note the discounted passenger fares are applicable to selected passenger fares and are subject to availability.
Check the website for further terms, conditions and availability or call the Customer Contact Centre on 1800 884 305 for further assistance.
You can read further information about Pensioner Eligibility here.
Patient Travel Assistance Scheme
Travelling for specialised health services can be costly for Tasmanians who live a long way from the health care services they need. The Patient Travel Assistance Scheme (PTAS) can help. PTAS covers some of the travel and accommodation costs for Tasmanians who need to travel long distances for specialised care.
PTAS provides financial help in three ways:
Eligible concession cards are:
Courtesy Bus
Many RSLs offer a free courtesy bus that will collect you from your home. Speak to your local RSL for more information.
Public transport
A Seniors Myki card gives you access to the following:
Seniors Business Discount Card holders are not eligible to receive a free Seniors myki card upon joining the program.
Once you have your seniors myki, you should register it. There are many benefits to registering your myki, including a free card replacement card if it's lost or stolen. For more information on how to register, visit the Public Transport Victoria website
And you can top it up at:
Free travel vouchers
Seniors Card holders are also entitled to free travel vouchers each year. You will need to register to receive the free travel vouchers.
To access free travel vouchers annually, you must live in Victoria and hold a:
Victorian Senior Business Discount card holders are not eligible.
Eligible metropolitan Melbourne residents receive two off-peak travel vouchers yearly, while Victorians living in regional areas receive four.
If eligible, REGISTER HERE to access the free travel voucher program. You only need to register once.
Courtesy Bus
Many RSLs offer a free courtesy bus that will collect you from your home. Speak to your local RSL for more information.
Public transport
Transport concessions for Western Australia Seniors Card holders:
WA DVA Gold Health cardholders can receive four single journeys or two return journeys.
Seniors who do not have a WA Pension Concession card are still eligible for a 50% discount on their fares.
If you wish to take advantage of your Free Travel entitlements, please:
To be eligible for the scheme, you must have continuously lived north of the 26th parallel for the last two years and hold a Pensioner Concession Card from the Department of Human Services (DHS)/Centrelink or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA).
If you hold a WA Seniors Card and are not in receipt of a Commonwealth-issued Pensioner Concession Card, you are not entitled to free travel under this scheme.
Western Australian residents living below the 26th parallel should contact TransWA for details on their free travel entitlements.
To apply, you’ll need to print off and complete the Pensioner Annual Free Trip Scheme Application and submit the application by:
Courtesy Bus
Many RSLs offer a free courtesy bus that will collect you from your home. Speak to your local RSL for more information.
It is heartening to know that there are numerous travel discounts and concessions available for seniors over 60 and pensioners in Australia. As the travel industry bounces back from the COVID-19 pandemic, it is a relief to know that many older Australians can now travel more affordably and comfortably within their own state or territory.
From discounted public transport to courtesy buses, there are various options available to help seniors explore their backyard without breaking the bank. We hope that this article has provided valuable insights into what benefits you are eligible for and encourages more older Australians to take advantage of these travel concessions and discounts.
And that’s everything, members! We recommend you bookmark this page so you can refer back to it.
In this article, we will provide a state-by-state breakdown of what discounts and concessions are available to older Australians looking to explore their own backyard. From discounted public transport to courtesy buses, we will explore the various options available to help seniors travel more affordably.
Read on to find out what benefits you are eligible for!
Travel for less. Image Credit: Shutterstock
Australian Capital Territory
Public transportEligible seniors (ACT residents aged over 70) and concession MyWay card holders travel for free between 9am and 4.30pm and after 6pm on weekdays and all day Saturday, Sunday and on public holidays.
Remember to ensure your MyWay card has a positive balance and to tap on and tap off correctly to access free travel during off-peak times.
Both Pensioner Concession Card and Commonwealth Health Care Card Holders are eligible.
To receive this benefit, you need to apply for a Concession MyWay card.
You will need to present your concession card to a MyWay Recharge Agent. You must present your card to an agent each time your concession is renewed to maintain your concession fare entitlement.
Pensioner Travel Vouchers
If you hold a NSW or ACT Pensioner Concession Card or a NSW War Widow/er transport concession card, you are entitled to four Pensioner Travel Vouchers each calendar year for travel within regional NSW.
ACT Taxi Subsidy Scheme
This scheme assists people who have a severe disability that prevents them from using public transport for a minimum period of 6 months. The scheme provides a subsidy towards the cost of taxi transport. For more information, contact the ACT Taxi Subsidy Scheme at (02) 6207 0028 (Selection Option 5, Sub Option 1), or visit their website.
Courtesy Bus
Many RSLs offer a free courtesy bus that will collect you from your home. Speak to your local RSL for more information.
Queensland
Public transportA Seniors Card+go is the easiest way to pay for public transport in South-East Queensland. It combines the discount of a Seniors Card with the convenience of the TransLink go card into one card.
Apply for a Seniors Card+go.
A concession fare is 50% cheaper than an adult fare, and some concession card holders are eligible for free travel on Translink, qconnect and regional ferry services.
The following groups can travel on a 50 per cent concession fare (please check for eligibility and conditions of travel):
- Pensioners and veterans (using a current Pensioner Concession Card from any Australian state or territory)
- Seniors (using a valid Seniors Card from any state or territory)
If you have one of the following cards, you will receive free travel: (please check for eligibility and conditions of travel)
- TPI/EDA Veteran Travel card
- Vision Impairment Travel Pass
- Translink Access Pass
- go access Travel Trainer card
To travel on a concession fare
The Seniors Card +go is a single, convenient card for Queensland residents with a Seniors Card on one side and Translink senior go card on the other side.Seniors Card +go is FREE, so you won't pay the usual $5 refundable deposit.
To apply:
- visit the Seniors Card website
- call 13 74 68.
- When you receive your Seniors card + go, you must visit a go card retailer and add a minimum of $5 credit to your card before you can travel.
Buy a Seniors go card
Visit your local go card retailer or Queensland Rail station ticket office with your Seniors Card, buy online or call us on 13 12 30.You must pay a $5 refundable deposit and add a minimum of $5 credit to your card before you can travel.
Paper concession tickets can be bought:
- from a ticket office at train stations during opening hours
- from a fare machine at a major interchange, busway, train or tram stations
- onboard buses (currently regional areas only)
Queensland Rail
Concession Card holders are entitled to four (4) Queensland rail entitlements each calendar year. To use your entitlements, you must have a valid Concession Card at the time of ticketing.
The following Concession Card holders are eligible for four (4) rail entitlements each calendar year to travel on long-distance services across Queensland.
- Queensland Pensioner Card (PCC) issued by Services Australia or the Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA)
- Australian Government DVA Health Card endorsed as WAR WIDOW/WIDOWER (Queensland residents only)
- Spouse/partner of a Totally and Permanently Incapacitated (TPI) or Extreme Disability Adjustment (EDA) Veteran travel pass holder with a confirmation letter stating they are a Queensland resident.
On presentation of a current Australian state or territory Government Seniors Card, customers will receive a discount of up to 50% off the full adult rail fare on Queensland Rail Travel network services. Meals and upgrades to sleeping berths are additional costs.
On presentation of a current Seniors Business Discount Card, customers will receive a discount of up to 15% off the full adult rail fare on Queensland Rail Travel network services. Meals and upgrades to sleeping berths are additional costs.
For Veterans
Veterans in possession of a TPI or TPI/EDA Veterans Travel Pass are entitled to one return journey on Queensland Rail Travel long-distance rail services each fortnight.
The travel entitlement covers Business, Premium Economy and Economy Seats.
If the cardholder exceeds their entitlement for the fortnight, they are entitled to half-fare travel as often as they wish.
Taxi Subsidy Scheme and Lift Payment
The Taxi Subsidy Scheme (TSS) subsidises taxi travel—half of the total fare, up to a maximum of $30 per trip—for people with severe disabilities.
You can find more information on eligibility and how to apply here.
The Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme (PTSS)
PTSS provides financial assistance for eligible patients to access specialist medical services not available locally.
If you live in Queensland and have been referred by a clinician to a specialist medical service that is unavailable at your local public hospital, you may be eligible for a subsidy.
You can register your interest here.
Courtesy Bus
Many RSLs offer a free courtesy bus that will collect you from your home. Speak to your local RSL for more information.
New South Wales
Public transportThe gold pensioner Opal card gives you unlimited travel for no more than $2.50 a day on public transport services across the following regions:
- Sydney (not including the Sydney airport station access fee as this is a privately owned line)
- Blue Mountains
- Central Coast
- Hunter
- Illawarra
- Southern Highlands.
- $2.50 all-day travel with the Regional Excursion Daily ticket on local buses
- $2.50 all-day travel with the Country Pensioner Excursion ticket for booked NSW TrainLink Regional services
- 2 return (or 4 single) free or discounted trips on NSW TrainLink Regional services in economy class each calendar year, with Pensioner Travel Vouchers. If you're travelling interstate on your free journeys, you'll need to pay 50% of the applicable fare from the NSW border to the interstate destination.
Holders of one of the following cards are eligible:
- Pensioner Concession Card issued by Services Australia
- Pensioner Concession Card issued by the Department of Veterans' Affairs.
How to apply
- Click this link.
- Select the 'I want to order a Senior/Pensioner Opal card' option.
- Read the eligibility criteria, then select 'Continue ordering an Opal card'.
- Enter your personal details and password.
- Enter your entitlement details. Your details must match what's shown on your concession card exactly.
- Add a value if you'd like to use your card as soon as you get it, then enter the delivery details for the Opal card.
- If you've added a value, enter your payment details.
- Your Opal card will be mailed to you within 5 to 7 working days.
Ex-members of the Defence Force Pass
Veterans who receive a Disability Compensation Payment (DCP) under the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA) and live permanently in NSW may be eligible for an Ex-members of the Defence Force pass.Veterans assessed at 10 impairment points or more under the Military, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA) may also be eligible. This pass is also available to certain Commonwealth and allied Second World War veterans who live permanently in NSW.
The pass entitles the holder to free travel on public transport in NSW.
For more information, please contact Transport for NSW on 131 500 or visit Ex-members of the Defence Force with a disability.
Blinded Soldiers Gold Pass
The Blinded Soldiers Gold Pass entitles the holder to free travel on public transport in NSW.For more information, please contact Transport for NSW on 131 500 or visit NSW Blinded Soldier Pass.
Pensioner Travel Vouchers
If you hold a NSW or ACT Pensioner Concession Card or a NSW War Widow/er transport concession card, you are entitled to four Pensioner Travel Vouchers each calendar year for travel within regional NSW.
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, coaches, fuel, and taxis.
The regional seniors travel card program is available for a 4-year trial period (2020-2023).
Eligible seniors can apply for a card as follows:
Applications for 2023 (Year 4) open on 23 January 2023 and close on 30 November 2023.
Please allow up to 20 business days from the time of application for your card and PIN to arrive.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the regional seniors travel card, you must:- Have reached the Age Pension age
- You must also have received your pension or have held your card for at least one month.
- Live in a designated regional area of NSW outside of Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong
- Be receiving support from either Services Australia:
- Age Pension
- Carer Payment
- Disability Support Pension
- Or hold a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card
- Or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs:
- Age Pension
- Service Pension
- Disability Pension under the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986
- War Widow(er) Pension
- Or hold a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card
Community Transport
Community Transport is a government-subsidised scheme available in many regional areas. It supports people with limited transport options to live happy, healthy and fulfilling lives by making it easier to get around and stay socially connected.
It is specially designed to help eligible members of the community get to medical appointments, participate in social activities and maintain independent living at home.
Find out more about Community Transport.
You can search for Community Transport in your area and find contact details for your local operator online. See transportnsw.info/operators, then under ‘Filter by mode’, select ‘Community Transport’.
Subsidised Taxi Travel
If you are physically unable to use regular public transport services because of a severe and permanent disability, you may qualify for discounted taxi travel under the Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme.
The scheme provides discounts of up to half the metered fare to a maximum $60 subsidy per trip for travel in regular and wheelchair-accessible taxis.
Find out more about Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme
Courtesy Bus
Many RSLs offer a free courtesy bus that will collect you from your home. Speak to your local RSL for more information.
Northern Territory
Public transportIf you have a NT Seniors Card, you are entitled to free bus travel on public buses in Darwin and Alice Springs.
Simply show the driver your NT Seniors Card before stating your destination to get free travel.
You are entitled to concession fares if you hold a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card or Pensioner Concession Card.
You can find the fares below:
Travel on the Territory’s urban public bus network is free for the following:
- Veterans with a Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card
- People with a Vision Impaired Travel Pass
- A Companion Card holder’s card
Seniors, Pensioners and Carers card, Health Care card, Companion card, VET Card holders: entitled to unlimited bus travel for three hours on any scheduled public bus service from the time validation.
Disability taxi assistance
The following provides information on using taxis in the Northern Territory (NT) with a disability.
There are two financial assistance schemes you can apply for:
- Taxi subsidy scheme.
- Lift incentive scheme.
Transport Subsidy Scheme (TSS)
To access the TSS, you must be:
- a Northern Territory (NT) resident
- assessed by a health professional as having a permanent or long-term disability (longer than six months)
- unable to safely use public transport due to your disability.
You then pay the remainder with cash, credit or debit card.
There are four levels of entitlement for the TSS - A, B, C and D.
Your circumstances will determine which one you're eligible for.
For more information, check out the NT TSS and LIS information bulletin.
If you meet the eligibility for the TSS, you may also be eligible for the Lift incentive scheme (LIS).
Lift Incentive Scheme (LIS):
To access the LIS, you must meet the same eligibility for the TSS and be reliant on a wheelchair.
For every journey you complete travelling in a wheelchair using a wheelchair-accessible vehicle (WAVs) such as a taxi or minibus, the LIS will provide a $20 incentive to the driver.
This payment is in recognition of the:
- additional time taken to secure the wheelchair and passenger into the vehicle
- potential travel time taken to commence the journey.
The lift incentive is not transferable or redeemable for cash and is not to be used as part of the fare.
How to apply
To apply, you must follow these steps:
Step 1. Fill in the transport subsidy scheme application or call the TSS office on 08 8924 7229 to get one mailed to you.
Step 2. Complete part A.
Step 3. Attach two passport-size photographs (one must be certified).
Step 4. Provide proof of NT residency, for example:
- proof of residency at a care facility
- electricity bill or council rates notice less than six months old
- a photocopy of both sides of a current concession or health care card showing your residential address.
Step 6. Submit the application and supporting documents by mail or email to:
Transport subsidy scheme office
GPO Box 2520
Darwin NT 0801
[email protected]
Free bus for Palmerston seniors and mobility impaired
There is a free service for seniors and mobility-impaired Palmerston residents.
It runs to and from the medical facilities three times per day, Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays.
The shuttle bus is subject to availability, and 24 hours prior notice is essential.
Before you book
You must have a medical appointment at one of the following:
- Royal Darwin Hospital
- Darwin Private Hospital
- Palmerston Regional Hospital
- Healthy Living NT
- Farrar Medical Centre.
To be eligible, you must have one of the following:
- NT pensioner and carer concession card
- NT Seniors card
- vision impaired travel pass
- a disability preventing you from using the regular bus services.
To book, you need to provide all of the following:
- 24 hours notice
- your name
- pick up location
- drop off location
- appointment time
- appointment number, hospital registration number or your doctor's name
- if wheelchair transport is required.
Call 1300 978 995 and ask for the Palmerston Hospital bus.
Retirement Facilities (Free Transport)
Free transport is provided to and from the retirement facilities providing shopping and hospital transport for Leanyer Seniors Village, Fannie Bay and Tiwi Village Village Seniors. See the City of Darwin Seniors Directory for timetable information.
Courtesy Bus
Many RSLs offer a free courtesy bus that will collect you from your home. Speak to your local RSL for more information.
South Australia
Public transportYour Pensioner Concession Card automatically entitles you to concession fares on Adelaide Metro.
Simply present the card when buying a ticket and always carry it when travelling.
For more information about concession fares check out the Adelaide Metro website.
South Australian Seniors Card members can also travel for free on Adelaide Metro buses, trains and trams – all day, every day.
Your Seniors Card is part of Adelaide's metroCARD public transport electronic ticketing system, which is operational on all buses, trains and trams. The Seniors Card has the metroCARD technology built in, which means you only have to carry one card to access discounts on goods and services and public transport.
Your Seniors Card is ready to use on public transport as soon as you receive it.
You'll need to validate your Seniors Card every time you board an Adelaide Metro bus, train or tram, even though your travel is free. To validate, hold the card against the validation machine. A beep and green light means that it has been validated properly.
New and replacement Seniors Cards are issued through the Seniors Card Unit. If you lose your Seniors Card or it gets stolen or stops working, use the Seniors Card member online services or contact the Seniors Card Unit at 1800 819 961 or email [email protected] and a replacement card will be provided to you at no cost.
Don't bend or puncture your Seniors Card, as it may damage the internal antenna or microchip. Don't expose your Seniors Card to static electricity, water or temperature extremes (such as a clothes dryer or car dashboard).
South Australian Transport Subsidy Scheme (SATSS)
The SATSS provides subsidised taxi fares for people with permanent and severe disabilities. For more information, call 1300 360 840 or visit their website.
Courtesy Bus
Many RSLs offer a free courtesy bus that will collect you from your home. Speak to your local RSL for more information.
Tasmania
Public transportThe National Seniors Transport Scheme provides Seniors Card holders with concessions on public transport throughout Australia.
Tasmanian Seniors Card holders enjoy significant discounts and benefits on transport and travel, including:
- Concession prices when using the Metro and Merseylink public transport services.
- Concession rate travel on metropolitan public transport in all states and territories.
- Services Australia or DVA Pensioner Concession Card
- Services Australia Health Care Card
- Seniors Card - all States and Territories
- Evidence of Immigration Status (EDI) or
- Residence Determination Immicard (RDI)
- aged 70 years and over
- classified as a War Widow by DVA
- eligible adult students
Totally and Permanently Incapacitated (TPI) and Extreme Disablement Adjustment (EDA) pensioners are entitled to free travel on public bus services.
You must present your DVA Veteran Gold Card embossed with TPI or EDA. To travel on Metro bus services for free, you will need to apply for and use a Greencard.
Transport Access Scheme
A 50% concession on the cost of taxi travel is available to people:
- With a permanent and severe disability who have been assessed as meeting eligibility criteria for membership of the Transport Access Scheme
- Services Australia or DVA Pensioner Concession Card
- Services Australia Health Care Card
- Commonwealth Seniors Health Card.
A 60% concession on the cost of travel in a wheelchair-accessible taxi is available to people:
- With a permanent and severe disability who have been assessed as meeting eligibility criteria for membership of the Transport Access Scheme and who are totally wheelchair reliant.
To apply for a Taxi Smartcard or an Australian Disability Parking Permit, you will need to download and submit the appropriate form.
If you do not have a Disability Parking Permit, download and complete the Transport Access Scheme application form.
If you already have a Disability Parking Permit, or if you have a Taxi Smartcard which needs to be updated for wheelchair taxi access, please use the Transport Access Scheme supplement application form.
Applications take approximately three weeks.
Spirit of Tasmania (TT-Line)
Discounted passenger fares are available to Services Australia or DVA Pensioner Concession Card cardholders. Cardholders must provide their pension card number when they book. The card must still be current at the date of travel and presented at check-in. Please note the discounted passenger fares are applicable to selected passenger fares and are subject to availability.
Check the website for further terms, conditions and availability or call the Customer Contact Centre on 1800 884 305 for further assistance.
You can read further information about Pensioner Eligibility here.
Patient Travel Assistance Scheme
Travelling for specialised health services can be costly for Tasmanians who live a long way from the health care services they need. The Patient Travel Assistance Scheme (PTAS) can help. PTAS covers some of the travel and accommodation costs for Tasmanians who need to travel long distances for specialised care.
PTAS provides financial help in three ways:
- Travel assistance
- Accommodation assistance
- Assistance if you need someone to travel with you.
- are a Tasmanian resident
- are receiving an eligible clinical service from an approved clinical provider
- need to travel a distance of
- more than 75 km (one way) to the nearest specialised health service or
- more than 50 km (one way) to the nearest cancer or dialysis centre, and
- are not receiving financial help for travel costs from another organisation.
Eligible concession cards are:
- Services Australia Pensioner Concession Card
- Services Australia Health Care Card
- Department of Veterans’ Affairs Pensioner Concession Card
Courtesy Bus
Many RSLs offer a free courtesy bus that will collect you from your home. Speak to your local RSL for more information.
Victoria
Public transport
A Seniors Myki card gives you access to the following:
- Concession fares (a 50% discount on full fares) on trains, trams and buses, including V/Line trains and coaches. Free travel on Saturdays and Sundays in two consecutive zones (e.g. Zone 1 and 2) and on regional town buses.
- Free travel on all Victorian public transport during the Victorians Seniors Festival, including Melbourne trains, trams and buses, regional trains, coaches and buses. Tap on and off as usual during this time, but you won't be charged for the trips!
How do I get a seniors myki?
New Seniors Card program applicants receive a seniors myki for free with their Seniors Card which is posted with a Welcome pack.Seniors Business Discount Card holders are not eligible to receive a free Seniors myki card upon joining the program.
Once you have your seniors myki, you should register it. There are many benefits to registering your myki, including a free card replacement card if it's lost or stolen. For more information on how to register, visit the Public Transport Victoria website
And you can top it up at:
- Hundreds of shops, including all 7-Eleven stores.
- Premium Stations as listed on the PTV website.
- From myki machines at selected train stations and stops.
- Mobile myki app using your Android smartphone. For more information, visit the PTV website.
- Online at PTV website.
- By calling PTV on 1800 800 007.
Free travel vouchers
Seniors Card holders are also entitled to free travel vouchers each year. You will need to register to receive the free travel vouchers.
To access free travel vouchers annually, you must live in Victoria and hold a:
- Pensioner Concession Card (PCC) (all codes) or
- Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) PCC or
- Victorian Seniors Card or
- Victorian Carer Card (‘We Care’ Card).
Victorian Senior Business Discount card holders are not eligible.
Eligible metropolitan Melbourne residents receive two off-peak travel vouchers yearly, while Victorians living in regional areas receive four.
If eligible, REGISTER HERE to access the free travel voucher program. You only need to register once.
Courtesy Bus
Many RSLs offer a free courtesy bus that will collect you from your home. Speak to your local RSL for more information.
Western Australia
Public transport
Transport concessions for Western Australia Seniors Card holders:
- Fare discounts of up to 60% on standard fares for Transperth bus, train and ferry services, including those operating in regional towns.
- With your Seniors SmartRider you will be able to travel for free at the following times:
- From the first service until 6am
- From 9am until 3.30pm
- From 7pm until the last service
- All day Saturday, Sunday and public holidays.
- Concession fares at other times
- 50% discount on regional point-to-point travel with SmartRider (also available for interstate Seniors Card holders).
Rail and Coach Journeys
Pensioner cardholders can receive two single journeys or one return journey per year on Transwa rail or road coach services.WA DVA Gold Health cardholders can receive four single journeys or two return journeys.
Seniors who do not have a WA Pension Concession card are still eligible for a 50% discount on their fares.
If you wish to take advantage of your Free Travel entitlements, please:
- call on 1300 662 205;
- email [email protected]; or
- visit one of their Booking Centres or Accredited Agents.
Free Air Travel
If you are a pensioner who lives north of the 26th parallel, you are entitled to one return journey by air or coach per year to Perth or elsewhere in the South West Land Division (provided the fare is not greater than that to Perth).To be eligible for the scheme, you must have continuously lived north of the 26th parallel for the last two years and hold a Pensioner Concession Card from the Department of Human Services (DHS)/Centrelink or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA).
If you hold a WA Seniors Card and are not in receipt of a Commonwealth-issued Pensioner Concession Card, you are not entitled to free travel under this scheme.
Western Australian residents living below the 26th parallel should contact TransWA for details on their free travel entitlements.
To apply, you’ll need to print off and complete the Pensioner Annual Free Trip Scheme Application and submit the application by:
- emailing the form to [email protected]
- or posting the form to Travel Subsidy Officer, Department of Transport, GPO Box C102, Perth, WA 6839.
Courtesy Bus
Many RSLs offer a free courtesy bus that will collect you from your home. Speak to your local RSL for more information.
It is heartening to know that there are numerous travel discounts and concessions available for seniors over 60 and pensioners in Australia. As the travel industry bounces back from the COVID-19 pandemic, it is a relief to know that many older Australians can now travel more affordably and comfortably within their own state or territory.
From discounted public transport to courtesy buses, there are various options available to help seniors explore their backyard without breaking the bank. We hope that this article has provided valuable insights into what benefits you are eligible for and encourages more older Australians to take advantage of these travel concessions and discounts.
And that’s everything, members! We recommend you bookmark this page so you can refer back to it.
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