Regional train passes reinstated by NSW Government

THREE and six month NSW TrainLink Discovery passes have been reinstated, after being “paused” for a review of their suitability.

A Discovery Pass offers travellers unlimited travel to destinations on the NSW TrainLink Regional train and coach network, with 14-day, one-month, three-month and six-month passes available.

The six-month pass costs $420.

The passes have not been available for sale in recent months, leaving only 14-day and 30-day options, with the NSW Government under sustained pressure from the NSW Coalition to reinstate them.
They are now on sale once more.

Shadow Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Dave Layzell raised concerns about the changes during Question Time in Parliament in June.

“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.”

In June, Labor Minister Emily Suvaal confirmed the longer term passes were under review as their terms were “not considered fit for purpose by Transport for NSW”.

“Transport for NSW has put a hold on some of the pass options while the current terms are assessed and amendments are considered,” she said.

Ms Suvaal said the Discovery Pass is a discount product promoted for tourism travellers and was never intended as a discounted product for commuters or as a concessional entitlement.

Member for Coffs Harbour said the Labor Government had “come to its senses on this issue”.

“Under the former Coalition Government, these passes were introduced to allow people to travel across the regions in an affordable way, supporting workers, students, residents, and families no matter what they were travelling for,” Mr Singh said.

“The Discovery Pass has been a vital lifeline for so many, but the Government decided to try and take that support away, forcing us to fork out more when times are already so tough.”