Free travel extended for Veterans

The Palaszczuk Government is extending a pass for Queensland veterans to travel free on public transport as well as providing free transport for veterans andtheir families to ANZAC Day services.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Deputy Premier and Minister for Transport Jackie Trad today announced validity of the Totally and Permanently Incapacitated and Extreme Disablement Adjustment (TPI/EDA) Pass would be extended from five to 10 years.

“In recognition of their service to our country and to assist their mobility and participation in the community veterans are eligible for unlimited free travel on public transport services throughout Queensland,” the Premier said.

“By extending the validity period of the pass to 10 years we are reducing the amount of time, effort and cost for our veterans and helping them to feel confident accessing and using public transport in Queensland.”

Queensland TPI Association President Chris Richards said the extended 10-year validity for TPI/EDA veterans was great news for veterans.

“The Association appreciates this valuable contribution to its members who are able to access public transport services,” Mr Richards said.

To be eligible for a TPI/EDA Pass, applicants must be Queensland residents and hold a Department of Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card that is embossed TPI or EDA.

Ms Trad said veterans and their families would also be able to travel to services on ANZAC Day.

“As a mark of respect to the men and women who have served our country, veterans wearing their uniform or service medals can travel for free across all TransLink bus, train, ferry and tram services in South East Queensland,” Ms Trad said.

“Accompanying family members wearing service medals and children participating in ceremonies representing scouts, girl-guides and military associations will also be able to travel free while wearing their official uniform.

“We will be offering increased and earlier services across the network to assist people to get to dawn services and the ANZAC Day March.

“Extra train services will arrive at Central station between 3am and 3:50am giving customers time to make their way from the station to Anzac Square by dawn at 4:28am.

“We will also have additional bus services and CityCat services in both directions to take passengers attending the service to and from the city.

“Like all public holidays we encourage people to plan their journey ahead of time by heading to translink.com.au or calling 13 12 30.”

For more information about TPI/EDA Pass holders entitlements, please contact the Department of Transport and Main Roads at translink@translink.com.au, visit www.translink.com.au or telephone 13 12 30.

Media contacts:

Kirby Anderson (Premier’s office) 0417 263 791

Anna Jabour (Deputy Premier’s office) 0429 890 942