More than 100,000 rural and regional seniors have signed up for the new Service NSW travel card since applications opened on 29 January.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Paul Toole said eligible seniors would soon receive their cards, easing the burden of travel costs and injecting more than $25 million into regional economies.
“This is the first time we are rolling out a program like this,” Mr Toole said.
“This card 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,” he said.
Mr Toole said thousands of rural and regional seniors applied for the card daily, with the eligibility requirements now widened to include pension-aged veterans collecting a Service Pension or recipients of a War Widow Pension through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
“Veterans who are now eligible will be able to apply in the coming months, once we have made the necessary updates to our application system,” he said.
He said the rollout of the card followed a pilot program in Coffs Harbour, where around 80 seniors trialed the pre-loaded Visa card.
“Eligible seniors have until 30 November to apply for a card in 2020 and 12 months to use their card from activation.”
Mr Toole said seniors could apply online, in person at a Service NSW Service Centre or over the phone on 13 77 88.
Further information including how to apply can be accessed at this PS News link.