Flat rate ticket is announced

A $2.50 flat rate excursion ticket is to replace anomalous pensioner concession rail fares.

The new fare replaces a three-tier system, under which a ticket from Woy Woy to Gosford costs more than a ticket from Gosford to Newcastle.

However, while the new price is 80 cents cheaper for the rail trip to Newcastle, it is 30 cents more expensive for trips to Wyong or Sydney.

Member for Peats Ms Marie Andrews has welcomed the decision to address the anomalies in CityRail's pricing system for pensioners and Seniors Card holders.

Access to public transport will significantly improve for seniors and pensioners on the Central Coast with the extension of the excursion ticket to now cover the use of private buses, she said.

"The excursion ticket has previously been restricted to Government bus operators."

"This disadvantaged Central Coast pensioners and Seniors Card holders as there are only private bus companies operating in this area.

"The new arrangement will, for the first time, allow the use of the excursion ticket on all Central Coast private bus lines.

"The new excursion ticket purchased for $2.50 will be able to be used on buses and trains to travel at any time of the day anywhere in the greater metropolitan area: from Dungog in the north to Bomaderry in the south and to Bathurst and Goulburn."

"That's a big win for the elderly in our community," Ms Andrews said.

Press release, December 11