Bus boost for seniors week

A greater number of country seniors will be able to access free travel to Melbourne during Senior Citizens Week as a result of a Government decision to introduce free bus services in the Mallee, Gippsland and north eastern Victoria.

Travel is free for Seniors Card holders on metropolitan services all week.

Minister for Housing and Aged Care Bronwyn Pike has announced the Government had committed $40,000 to provide bus services in areas where train seats had traditionally been in high demand.

Coaches will leave from Albury/Wodonga, Wangaratta, Benalla, Swan Hill, Swan Hill/Kerang, Sale and Lakes Entrance/Bairnsdale on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of Senior Citizens Week, which runs from March 18 to 25.

The coaches will supplement free seats to seniors on trains travelling from these destinations on these days.

They have been chosen for additional resources because of particular difficulties experienced by seniors in these areas in recent years.

Ms Pike said at least 2,000 older people from rural Victoria would be able to enjoy free return travel to Melbourne on board the coaches.

‘I hope the provision of additional coaches will help many more people to take advantage of the midweek events in Melbourne which have been planned for their enjoyment,’ she said.

‘I also encourage seniors to contact their local council for details of local events because Senior Citizens Week will this year be celebrated in every municipality in Victoria.

‘This is a celebration for all Victorians, not just for those who are able to visit Melbourne.

For the many people who want to travel to Melbourne, however, a fantastic program of entertainment and new experiences has been planned and the extra bus services provided by the Government will ensure that many more people can join in.’

Seniors Card holders are eligible for free travel on Saturday, March 17 and on the Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday of Senior Citizens Week.

They are only required to book if travelling on the Albury–Melbourne, Sale–Melbourne and Swan Hill–Melbourne lines. For all other rail services, seniors need only produce their Seniors Card on board the train.

Minister for Transport Peter Batchelor urged seniors to consider travelling to Melbourne for the day on the two free Saturdays because midweek services tended to be very popular.

Ms Pike said she hoped the coaches would meet the demand in these areas of the State but stressed that seats could not be guaranteed given the popularity of Senior Citizens Week.

She added that the Government was undertaking a comprehensive review of Senior Citizens Week this year, which would include an examination of the travel arrangements for seniors and how they can be improved.

Seat reservations for long distance country train travel can be made at all major stations. Reservations can also be made by phone on 13 61 96.