Free Travel for Seniors

Seniors in Western Australia can enjoy free travel on public transport and with some airlines. The scheme, which started on 1 October 2018, is part of the government’s plan to improve access to services for older Australians. Under the scheme, eligible seniors receive a travel pass that allows them to use public transport and, in some cases, take advantage of free airfares. You also may be eligible for free travel on public transport interstate too!

Find out more with our ultimate guide to free travel for Seniors in WA.

Free Travel on Transperth Trains, Buses and Ferries with a Transperth Perth Seniors Card

If you have a WA Seniors Card there’s no need to pay for off-peak travel on Transperth trains, buses and ferries. Your Western Australian Seniors Card conveniently doubles up as a Seniors Smart Rider.

Transperth Seniors Free Travel Times

With your Seniors SmartRider you will be able to travel for free at the following times:

From the first service until 6am
From 9am until 3.30pm
From 7pm until last service
All day Saturday, Sunday and public holidays.
Concession fares at other times

How to Apply

To be eligible for the WA Seniors Card program, you need to be:

aged 64 years or older
an Australian Citizen or hold an Australian Permanent Resident Visa
reside in Western Australia
work less than 25 hours per week.

Free Rail and Coach Journeys

Western Australia offers free travel on Transwa for seniors who hold an eligible WA Pension Concession card or a WA issued DVA Pensioner Concession Card.

Eligible seniors can receive two single journeys or one return journey per year on Transwa rail or road coach services.

WA DVA Gold Health cardholders can receive four single journeys or two return journeys.

Seniors who do not have a WA Pension Concession card are still eligible for 50% discount on the fare.

You could take a day trip to Kalgoorlie from Perth on The Prospector. It’s a great way to see the countryside, and it’s also a lot of fun. The train has a restaurant car and personal entertainment systems with new release movies. The train travels along the Midland and Great Southern Railways, stopping in Northam, Merredin, and Southern Cross before arriving in Kalgoorlie.

How to Apply

To access the free travel entitlement on Transwa services eligible pensioners must register with Transwa. Registration forms are available at Transwa Booking Centres, accredited Agents or on the Transwa website. For more information telephone Transwa on 1300 662 205 or visit transwa.wa.gov.au

Image Credit: DBZ2313 at English Wikipedia

Free Air Travel

Pensioners residing north of Shark Bay continuously for the past two years are entitled to one return journey by air or coach per year to Perth or elsewhere in the South West Land Division.

To be eligible you must hold a Pensioner Concession Card from the Department of Human Services (DHS)/Centrelink or the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA). WA DVA Gold Health cardholders can receive two free return journeys per year.

How to Apply

To apply you’ll need to print off and complete the Pensioner Annual Free Trip Scheme Application and submit the application along with a copy of your Pensioner Concession Card. You can find out more by visiting transport.wa.gov.au

Free Travel Interstate

If you are planning an interstate trip you may be eligible for free travel on public transport with your Seniors or Commonwealth Pensioners Concession Card. Here’s what each state or territory offers.

Australian Capital Territory

Seniors Card holders can apply for a MyWay Card entitling them to receive concession fares and free off peak travel.

How to Apply

Interstate Seniors MyWay Cards need to be applied for in advance. Simply email seniorscard@cotaact.org.au or myway@act.gov.au with your name, date of birth and address, and include a scanned copy of your Seniors Card and Drivers Licence / Proof of Identity card. Allow up to 10 business days for delivery.

New South Wales

Seniors card and Pensioners Concession Card Holders are able to apply for a Senior/Pensioner Gold Opal Card which allows you unlimited travel on the metro, train, bus, ferry and light rail services for no more than $2.50 per day.

How to Apply

Senior Opal Cards need to be applied for in advance. Find out more here. You should allow 3 – 4 weeks for delivery.

Northern Territory

Seniors Card holders travelling in the Northern Territory can receive free bus travel. You just need to show your card to the driver.

Queensland

Seniors Card holders can travel half price on public transport after you have made your 8th journey in a 7 day period. Or with a Seniors Go Card if you make two journeys in a day you can travel free for the rest of the day.

How to Apply

You can purchase a Seniors Go Card or green pensioner concession Go Card at one of 680 locations across South East Queensland, or you can purchase online or over the phone. A refundable deposit of $5 will apply. Find out more by visiting translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/concessions

South Australia

Seniors Card holders can purchase a metroCARD which will give them access to free travel Monday to Friday between 9am and 3pm and from 7pm until last service, plus all weekend.

How to Apply

You can buy a metroCARD at a number of locations across metropolitan Adelaide. A card fee of $3.50 and a minimum starting balance of $5 will be applied for a starting cost of $8.50. Credit can be purchased in $5 increments. Find out more by visiting www.adelaidemetro.com.au

Tasmania

Seniors Card Holders and Pensioner Concession Card holders are eligible to qualify for the Greencard which means cash fares are charged at a flat rate regardless of the number of zones you are travelling within.

How to Apply

Greencards can be purchased by visiting a Metro shop, depot, or agent. For more information on fares visit: www.metrotas.com.au/fares/urban-fares/

Victoria

Seniors Card holders can travel with a Concession myki and can buy concession V/Line paper tickets and concession tickets for regional bus services.

Pensioner Concession Card holders are eligible for a 50 per cent discount on travel. Find out more here www.ptv.vic.gov.au/tickets/myki/concessions-and-free-travel/

If you are eligible for any of these concessions you should take advantage of the benefits and enjoy all that Western Australia, and indeed the rest of Australia has to offer!

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About Jennie McNichol

Jennie McNichol is the Co-Founder and Editor of Seniorocity and Buggybuddys. She lives north of Perth with her husband, 2 children, 2 Ragdoll Cats and 1 Maine Coon

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