Regional community transport pilot program for seniors offering a NSW Government sponsored $250 Westpac Visa Card for personal travel costs commences 29 January 2020 - how to apply

Older residents in Ballina Shire Council, Byron Shire Council, Kyogle Council, Lismore City Council, Richmond Valley Council and Tweed Shire Council and Clarence Valley Council areas in the Northern Rivers region may be eligible to participate in the NSW Government two-year trial of a new a community transport scheme, Regional Seniors Travel Card (RSTC).

The trial offers a $250 prepaid card to eligible seniors in regional, rural and remote areas to be used towards the purchase of fuel and transportation services, such as taxi services and NSW TrainLink train and coach services.

Applications will open on 29 January 2020 and cards will be distributed from mid-February 2020.

To be eligible for a Regional Seniors Travel Card, applicants must:

a) permanently reside in an Eligible Area within NSW; and

b) currently receive the Age Pension (applicants must have been receiving the age pension for at least one month); or

c) currently hold a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (applicants must have held their card for at least one month) (“Eligible Person”).

The RSTC is issued by Westpac as a Visa card and no user fees apply to this card.

The Card can only be used at selected retailers and service providers in Australia. Depending on the Merchant, the Card may be used in store, online or over the telephone. It is your responsibility to confirm that your Card can be used at the Merchant for Authorised Transport Expenses prior to use. If you are unsure, you should ask the Merchant before incurring a travel expense.

‘Card Services is available throughout the Pilot by calling 1800 569 070. Card Services will become available online at nswregionalseniors.cards at a later date. You can call us on 1800 569 070 for an update as to when Card Services will become available online.’

Applications for the 2020 RSTC will close on 30 November 2020.

The application period for the 2021 RSTCs is 1 December 2020 - 30 November 2021.