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| Two Light Rail Trams Gold Coast |
About 19,000 veterans can now access cheaper public transport in Queensland thanks to the Palaszczuk Government’s introduction of a white card concession scheme.
Under the scheme, white card holders will receive a 50 per cent discount on public transport fares across the state, bringing them into line with concessions for current DVA gold card (All Conditions) holders.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the introduction of white card concessions were in addition to more than 35,000 existing veterans who hold gold cards and can access public transport discounts across Queensland.
Most Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) white card holders, who may not currently receive transport concessions, are under 64 years old and have sustained an injury or a condition from their service.
“This is an opportunity to acknowledge the service of our veterans by extending travel concessions to those who may not currently receive them,” Mr Bailey said.
“This is also an election promise made by the Palaszczuk Government that is now delivered.”
Mr Bailey said the Palaszczuk Government already provided fare concessions to a number of groups, including students, seniors/pensioners and people with a disability and their carers who used TransLink services.
“We understand there are people who are experiencing disadvantage and offering concessions in areas such as public transport is a significant way for the government to help ease cost of living pressures,” Mr Bailey said.
“We want to ensure public transport is affordable for all Queenslanders, regardless of their personal circumstances.”
Extending concessions to white card holders allows even more Queenslanders to access affordable public transport and follows the introduction of discounts for job seekers and asylum seekers earlier in 2017 and the Fairer Fares scheme, in December 2016.
It also brings Queensland more closely in line with other states such as New South Wales and Western Australia.
White card concessions are now available and will apply on TransLink bus, rail, tram, and ferry services, regional Qconnect bus services and approved regional ferry services.
For more details on concessions fares, visit www.translink.com.au