Thousands of retired Port Stephens residents would benefit from a newly introduced Regional Seniors Transport Card, providing pensioners with a $250 prepaid card to help ease the cost of travel.
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The card is available to aged pensioners with a valid Pensioner Concession Card and to holders of a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card.
"This would cover a large portion of retired residents living in Port Stephens," said Melissa Glover, from Combined Hunter Hire Cars and Nelson Bay Taxis.
The card was launched early this month by Transport Minister Paul Toole, delivering a National Party election promise for regional NSW.
"The card makes public transport services accessible and affordable for eligible seniors living in regional, rural and remote areas with a $250 prepaid card," Mr Toole said.
"It can be used at certain retailers across Australia to pay for fuel, taxis and pre-booked NSW Trainlink regional trains and coaches."
The card is valid for 14 months but it is available to eligible seniors for a two-year period. Eligible seniors can apply for the card in the first year of the program in 2020 and for another card in 2021.
Applicants can register online from January 29, and cards will be distributed from mid-February 2020. Registrations could be also be done by visiting a Service NSW centre or by calling 13 77 88.
