The Minns Labor Government has backflipped on its massive price hikes to the Coalition’s highly successful TrainLink Discovery pass and reinstated the three and six month fares, after sustained pressure by the NSW Opposition.
Under Labor the annual cost was ramped up by 400 per cent from $840 to $3,300, leaving residents worse off in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis.
NSW Nationals Leader Dugald Saunders condemned the move in a notice of motion in Parliament in May, describing it as an attack on the good people of regional NSW.
“Under the former Coalition Government, these passes were introduced to allow people to travel across the regions for a relatively low cost, supporting workers, students, residents, and families no matter what they were travelling for,” Mr Saunders said.
“The Discovery Pass has been a vital lifeline for so many, but the Government decided to try and take that support away with no consultation, forcing people to fork out more when times are already so tough.
“We brought the fight to Parliament and forced Labor to reverse the decision. Now we will keep pushing for other crucial measures to be reinstated, like the regional seniors travel card that we know actually makes a difference.”
Shadow Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Dave Layzell also questioned the Minister about the changes during Question Time last month. “Regional residents already face the tyranny of distance, and these passes make it that little bit easier for students to get to uni, families to access medical care, and older residents to stay connected,” Mr Layzell said.
“Seeing the more affordable, longer-term options ripped away was really concerning because not only did it make things more expensive, but also less flexible, which just doesn’t reflect the challenges we face when it comes to travel in the bush.