The NSW government has extended a trial period that allows young people in the area to take buses for free
The New South Wales government has committed to allowing Broken Hill younger people to travel for free on buses during school holidays.
Young people in Broken Hill will continue to enjoy free travel during school holidays with the NSW government extending the trial until July 2023.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway says the government partnered with local stakeholders to provide youths aged 15 to 21 with free travel, helping families and students with cost of living challenges.
“We started an initial two-month trial earlier this year and now I’m pleased to announce an extension to cover school holidays through to the end of July 2023,” Farraway says.
“It means when school breaks for the spring holidays our young locals will be able to hop on a free bus to go to the Aquatic Centre, Silver City Cinema or the PCYC.”
Farraway says the state government wants to take pressure off families.
“Apart from this bus trial, there are a number of cost of living initiatives families in Broken Hill may be eligible for such as active kids vouchers, back to school vouchers and the energy bill buster,” Farraway says.
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Broken Hill City Council Mayor Tom Kennedy welcomes the news of the extension and hopes it means there would be greater take-up of public transport amongst the town’s young people.
“The program also aims to encourage more take-up of public transport amongst younger people and teaches them how to navigate the timetable and ride safely,” Kennedy says.
“It’s easy to access – sign up online for a digital or physical card when the program goes live on Tuesday, 23 August.”
Local stakeholders involved in the partnership include CDC Broken Hill, Willyama High School, Broken Hill City Council, PCYC Broken Hill and the YMCA.