Palaszczuk Government on board with free travel for Seniors Week

Published Thursday, 20 August, 2015 at 03:05 PM

Deputy Premier, Minister for Transport, Minister for Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Jackie Trad

Seniors will ride free on all Translink and qconnect services across Queensland this weekend to celebrate Seniors Week.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Transport Jackie Trad said seniors will be able to travel free on public transport from the first service on Saturday, 22 August until the last service on Sunday, 23 August.

“To recognise the contribution of older people to our communities, Seniors Card holders will be eligible to travel for free on public transport across the state this weekend,” Ms Trad said.

“The theme of this year’s Seniors Week is, ‘It’s on for young and old’ and what better way to connect seniors with loved ones than through public transport.

“Seniors travelling on public transport in South East Queensland won’t need to touch on or off with their go card on TransLink buses, trains, ferries and trams, instead they will simply need to show their Seniors Card to ride free.

“Seniors travelling in regional Queensland only need to show their Seniors Card to bus drivers to travel free on qconnect services.

“From dance classes to film screenings, hundreds of activities specifically designed for seniors are being held across Queensland during the 10 day Seniors Week celebration, and we encourage seniors to use public transport to get to and from the events.

“For many seniors, public transport symbolises independence and the Palaszczuk Government is committed to empowering older Queenslanders and ensuring they have access to safe and reliable public transport services across the state.

“For seniors that don’t use public transport regularly, this announcement is an opportunity for them to use Queensland’s public transport network for free and see what it has to offer.

“Seniors are an important group in our community and I’m pleased we can offer free weekend travel to celebrate their contribution to our state.”

To find out more about Seniors Week events and activities visit www.cotaqld.org.au or phone COTA Queensland on 1300 738 348.

For information about public transport in South East Queensland and Cairns, visit the TransLink website at translink.com.au, or phone our 24/7 call centre on 13 12 30 anytime.

For more information about public transport on qconnect urban bus services, visit www.qconnect.qld.gov.au, or contact your local bus operator.

 

Media contact: Deputy Premier’s Office 0488 996 667