The NSW Opposition has slammed the Minns Labor Government for cutting support to long distance regional coach services, forcing the cost of concession tickets to skyrocket.
The decision will impact routes between Eden and Bomaderry, meaning passengers paying $2.50 for a Regional Excursion Daily ticket will now have to pay up to $65.
Shadow Minister for Transport and Roads Natalie Ward said the move needs to be reversed immediately.
“Axing these Transport for NSW subsidies will have a grave impact on some of our most vulnerable residents, including the elderly and low-income families,” Ms Ward said.
“The concession fares delivered relief for people in the middle of a cost-of living crisis and instead of continuing this support, the Minns Labor Government has opted to rip more money out of their pockets.”
Shadow Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Dave Layzell said it’s another brutal blow to the bush after the axing of the Regional Seniors Travel Card.
“The Liberal and Nationals Government offered vital support to country communities because we understand that when you live in a regional area, it’s harder to travel,” Mr Layzell said.
“Critical measures like the $250 Regional Seniors Travel Card were put on the chopping block in Labor’s first budget and now there’s this. It’s not good enough and the Government needs to reinstate the funding to give our regional residents what they need.”
John King from Nowra Coaches, who operates the Eden to Bomaderry route reiterated the calls, saying about 60 per cent of the passengers using the service are concession holders.
“The majority of the people we see on our route are heavily reliant on the Government support, which we need to make the concession fares available and the services viable,” Mr King said.
“As an operator that works tirelessly to connect South Coast communities, this change to a long-standing agreement has come as a shock and was carried out with no operator or community consultation.”
