Media Releases

Those who are eligible for a Victorian Seniors Card will now be able to apply for the card and their free seniors myki using the same form, Nationals Eastern Region MP Peter Hall said today.

“Seniors will be able to use their myki to access free public transport on Sundays and as of 1 January 2011 this free transport will be extended to Saturdays,” Mr Hall said.

“Existing senior card holders will be able to apply for a seniors myki by filling out a Sunday Pass form, which can be collected at any staffed V/Line station or from my office at 181 Franklin St, Traralgon.”

Mr Hall encouraged those eligible to apply for the card.

“The seniors card provides a wide range of discounts and benefits,” he said.

“The card encourages seniors to get out and about during their retirement to enjoy cheaper travel, a range of different activities, discounts at a number of businesses or even just a meal with friends or family.”

Seniors card holders receive an annual discount directory with discounts and offers from over 2500 business supporters.

To be eligible for a seniors card you must be 60 years of age or over, retired or working less than 35 hours per week in paid employment and a permanent resident of Victoria.

For more information on the Seniors Card Program visit www.seniorscard.vic.gov.au or contact 1300 797 210.

Local National MP's Peter Hall and Russell Northe have welcomed clarification from the Government that free Sunday travel on LVBusline Services is available for eligible local residents.

"Seniors with a Sunday travel pass can now use their Myki card to travel across two consecutive sections within Latrobe City. This will also apply for Carers and Disability Support Pensioners," Mr Hall said.

"The Minister confirmed in Parliament last week that eligible travellers can travel free of charge on bus services that take them from Moe to Morwell or Traralgon to Morwell or Churchill to Morwell and like trips" Mr Hall said.

"This includes travel to Latrobe Regional Hospital from all towns, but does not include a continuous trip from Moe to Traralgon as this would cross three sections. In such situations travellers would need to swipe-off at some point in their journey then re-enter the bus to continue their trip.

Mr Northe and Mr Hall have long campaigned for this free service, bringing Latrobe valley residents the same benefits that have been available to people living in Melbourne, Geelong, Bendigo and Ballarat for some time.

Mr Northe said the local public had been kept in the dark as to the availability of this free service.

"Even the bus operators were not aware the Government was funding this service and quite frankly I am disappointed that the Government has not made any effort to promote free local Sunday travel in our community" he said.

"It has only been with the assistance of local seniors and people with disabilities that we have finally got new Public Transport Minister Martin Pakula to confirm the free service in the Valley."

The response to Mr Hall in Parliament indicated that once the myki card system was fully operational the Sunday travel pass would be available State-wide. Mr Hall hoped V/Line services would then be included.

Mr Hall has encouraged those who are eligible for free Sunday travel to apply for the pass and apply for a Myki card if they do not already have one so as to take up the free rides on offer.

Media contact: Peter Hall (03) 5174 7066 or 0427 747 066