The proposed move will provide eligible seniors in regional NSW with a $250 prepaid card for fuel, taxis, and pre-booked train or coach tickets.
He said Labor cut the Regional Seniors Travel Card in 2023 despite the petition to save it receiving more than 22,000 signatures.
“From 2020 to the axing of the program under the Minns Labor Government, 77,618 seniors across the Terrigal electorate used the card to the value of $7,369,427,” Mr Crouch said.
“This card provided seniors in the Terrigal electorate with vital cost of living support and helped cover the cost of going to the shops, seeing a doctor, catching up with family and friends, and community transport for life-saving cancer treatment.
“I’ve been calling on the reinstatement of the Regional Seniors Travel Card since it was cut by the Minns Government, and this will provide enormous support and comfort to thousands of seniors right across our community.”
Leader of the Opposition and NSW Liberal Leader, Kellie Sloane, said the NSW Government had failed when it comes to providing cost-of-living support.
“One of Labor’s first actions when coming to government was to cut cost of living support relied upon by thousands of people across NSW. We know that with the increasing cost of fuel people are increasingly looking at ways to save, and we know that the Regional Seniors Travel Card will provide hip pocket relief,” Ms Sloane said.
NSW Nationals Leader and Shadow Minister for Regional NSW, Gurmesh Singh said seniors living in the regions have fewer transport options than those in the city and deserve support to get to medical appointments, groceries, or connect with friends and family.
Established in 2020 by the former Liberal and Nationals Government, the Regional Seniors Travel Card saw more than 1.3 million people access more affordable transport.
