Lord Mayor encourages seniors to get ready for free travel

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner is encouraging seniors to get their go cards ready, as free off-peak travel for seniors will launch in Brisbane in just seven weeks.

Cr Schrinner said Seniors Week was the perfect time to let residents know how they can cash in on free travel across Brisbane on buses, CityCats and ferries.

“Brisbane is a great city, and I want to make it easier for seniors to enjoy Brisbane’s lifestyle and leisure opportunities, not only in Seniors Week but all year round,” he said.

“I want to give back to the generations who have worked hard and contributed so much to help build our city and our community.

“It’s now just seven weeks until seniors are able to travel on any Brisbane bus, CityCat or ferry for free during off-peak times.“All you need to access this cost-saving is a seniors go card and from October 1 people holding a seniors go card will tap on and off as usual, but be charged no cost.

“You must be travelling on a go card to get the free travel, so I encourage all eligible seniors to go out and get themselves a go card ahead of October 1.”

Cr Schrinner said important information about the new free-off peak travel would be distributed at Seniors Week events to ensure residents had time to get ready.

“As part of the Seniors Week celebrations Brisbane’s senior residents can choose from a variety of activities to enjoy, from arts and crafts and technology classes to mountain biking and line dancing,” he said.

“Council is bringing more events to the suburbs this Seniors Week to acknowledge all the ways our senior residents enrich our city.

“This special Seniors Week program is on top of the seniors events that Council provides all year round.

“Free off-peak travel for seniors will ensure residents can enjoy these programs and have more opportunities to connect with family and friends.”

Cr Schrinner said even through the State Government – through their agency Translink – set transport fares and received the revenue, Council was standing up for seniors and helping ease their cost of living.

The free travel will apply from 1 October on Brisbane buses, CityCats and ferries from 8.30am-3.30pm and then 7pm-6am Monday to Friday, and also on buses all day and night on weekends