Free public transport for senior South Australians will be provided by a Malinauskas Labor Government to reduce cost of living pressure at a time of rising costs.
The announcement has been welcomed by local Member of Parliament, Mr Tony Piccolo who said currently, Seniors Card holders can travel free during interpeak periods on weekdays, but must pay from 7am-9am and 3pm-7pm.
“If elected, Labor will invest $1.26 million per annum to provide free public transport for senior South Australians at all times.,’ Mr Piccolo said.
“The South Australian Seniors Card incorporates MetroCard technology which means seniors will only have to carry their Seniors Card to travel on the Adelaide Metro network whenever they want.”
Mr Piccolo said Labor recognises mounting cost of living pressures are impacting the more than 400,000 South Australians aged over 60 - many who are on low, fixed incomes.
“The cost of living is rising, and this is hurting senior South Australians on limited and fixed incomes,” Mr Piccolo said.
“Many senior South Australians are struggling to stay on top of their bills and their day-to-day costs.”
“I understand these pressures and I am committed to supporting our senior South Australians.”
Senior South Australians are now spending a higher proportion of their fixed incomes on household bills and essential items.
Mr Piccolo said importantly, this initiative will also help increase public transport usage which has fallen to record lows and will be important when the trains finally return.
“There were 76,159,209 trips taken in 2018-19 in 2020-21 there were just 52,052,511 a drop of 31%,” Mr Piccolo said.