THEY may not have Opal card readers on their buses, but a concession from the state government late last year was news as good as gold for eligible seniors in the Lithgow area.
Last July The Senior reported that seniors with Gold Opal Card concessions were still paying full price on Lithgow Buslines services because the buses were not fitted with Opal card readers.
The buses are still without readers, but Gold Opal card-carrying seniors in the area now have their bus fares waived if they show their Opal card when boarding.
Last November state MP for Bathurst Paul Toole announced a trial of the proposal. The changes took effect from December 1.
“This trial is about making travelling on public transport not only more convenient for Gold Opal customers but also more affordable,” Mr Toole said in November.
Public transport expenses are capped at $2.50 a day for Gold Opal card holders in Opal-enabled areas and Mr Toole said it was important that Gold Opal Card holders in the Lithgow area had access to the same benefits.
Bowenfels man Frank Butler, 67, was thrilled with the news. He had approached Mr Toole with his concerns and raised the issue with the Combined Pensioners and Superannuants Association last May.
Mr Butler said while he still drives, he gets the bus occasionally and noticed the discrepancy.
He said many concession holders in the area were struggling financially.
“It’s great for all the pensioners who have to make regular visits to the hospital,” he said.
But Mr Butler said he would like to see the concession extended to include job seekers on Silver Opal concessions.
“Once they turn 17 they are on job-seeking money and if they have to go to four job interviews a week, that’s a lot of travel (and expense),” he said.
At the time of the announcement, Mr Toole said the concession was “only for pensioners”.
A spokesperson said the MP was “on the road” and did not respond to requests for further comment ahead of publication.
Lithgow Buslines manager Michelle McGrath said she was very pleased with the changes.
