More than 8,500 Western Australian carers can ride free on any Transperth bus, train or ferry service during off-peak periods from today
May 1, 2013
More than 8,500 Western Australian carers can ride free on any Transperth bus, train or ferry service during off-peak periods from today.
Carers who hold a Carers Health Care Card and receive the Commonwealth Carer Payment can now travel for free between 9am and 3.30pm on weekdays and free all day at weekends and on public holidays.
“This is an important benefit for thousands of carers in our community – and I’m delighted to deliver on this election commitment to help people who play a vital role in supporting others,” Transport Minister Troy Buswell says.
“In our first term, the Liberal National Government introduced the popular free off-peak travel for seniors and disability support pensioners.
“From day one to December 31, 2012 that initiative has provided 28.843 million boardings free of charge, representing a total saving of $18.122million to eligible travellers.”
The free travel commitment will save carers $1.2 million in public transport fares over the next four years, the government claims.
Community Services Minister Tony Simpson says the initiative is recognition of the tireless work carers do in the community for the people they love.
“We’re about building safer and stronger communities and helping those in the community who need it most,” he says.
“Public transport can be a lifeline to the wider community for carers and the people they care for and I hope by giving carers free travel in off-peak times brings some financial relief.”
Eligible carers need to provide evidence of their Commonwealth carers’ payments when applying through Transperth for the pensions’ SmartRider.