❓ WA Parliament Question on Notice regarding Seniors SmartRider cards and access to free public transport for aged and disability pensioners. The Minister provides details on card issuance numbers, eligibility, and application processes.
AnsweredQoN 224Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
SENIORS SMARTRIDER CARDS
(1) How many people have been issued with Seniors SmartRider cards? (2) How many aged and disability pensioners have concession SmartRider cards that are not Seniors SmartRider cards? (3) Can aged and disability pensioners currently access free public transport on Sundays and public holidays? (4) Can the minister detail exactly what action an aged or disability pensioner will need to take to access the weekday free public transport commencing next month? Hon SIMON O’BRIEN
(1) How many people have been issued with Seniors SmartRider cards? (2) How many aged and disability pensioners have concession SmartRider cards that are not Seniors SmartRider cards? (3) Can aged and disability pensioners currently access free public transport on Sundays and public holidays? (4) Can the minister detail exactly what action an aged or disability pensioner will need to take to access the weekday free public transport commencing next month? Hon SIMON O’BRIEN
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for some notice of this question and also for her interest in the matter. The honourable member may be interested to know that the considerable extension of seniors’ benefits and free travel benefits to aged and disability pensioners that was announced recently to commence from 4 April follows on from free travel that was introduced on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays for seniors, which was introduced by the former coalition government all those years ago. (1) As at 12 March 2009 a total of 294 488 Seniors SmartRiders have been issued since the program commenced. (2) A total of 20 656 concession SmartRiders have been issued using the health care card entitlement provision. Aged and disability support pensioners would be amongst that grouping but the specific criteria of which group of health care card recipient falls into has previously not been demanded or required when applying for a concession SmartRider. (3) No. Unless they are holding a Seniors SmartRider, aged and disability pensioners are currently not able to access free public transport on Sundays and public holidays. (4) The free entitlement can only be accessed via SmartRider, so aged and disability support pension cardholders will need to have a pensioner SmartRider, assuming that they do not hold a WA Seniors Card, in which case they are better off with a Seniors SmartRider. Aged and disability support pension cardholders can apply for the new pensioner SmartRider from 16 March 2009, with the new entitlements program to start on 4 April 2009. They can apply at their nearest Transperth InfoCentre or SmartRider retail sales outlet. They can also call the Transperth info line on 13 62 13 and ask to have an application sent to them in the post. After completing the application form, they can either send it back to Transperth, which will check their entitlement and post the card back to them, or they can hand it in at a Transperth InfoCentre or SmartRider retail sales outlet and the card will be issued to them on the spot. There are no fees associated with the initial card issuance. If the aged or disability support pension cardholder already has a SmartRider, most likely a concession SmartRider, they will need to have it reprogrammed to become a pensioner SmartRider. This is a simple and quick procedure done on the spot. They can do this from 16 March 2009 at any Transperth InfoCentre or SmartRider retail sales outlet. Again, there is no charge associated with changing the card.
(2) How many aged and disability pensioners have concession SmartRider cards that are not Seniors SmartRider cards? (3) Can aged and disability pensioners currently access free public transport on Sundays and public holidays? (4) Can the minister detail exactly what action an aged or disability pensioner will need to take to access the weekday free public transport commencing next month? Hon SIMON O’BRIEN replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question and also for her interest in the matter. The honourable member may be interested to know that the considerable extension of seniors’ benefits and free travel benefits to aged and disability pensioners that was announced recently to commence from 4 April follows on from free travel that was introduced on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays for seniors, which was introduced by the former coalition government all those years ago. (1) As at 12 March 2009 a total of 294 488 Seniors SmartRiders have been issued since the program commenced. (2) A total of 20 656 concession SmartRiders have been issued using the health care card entitlement provision. Aged and disability support pensioners would be amongst that grouping but the specific criteria of which group of health care card recipient falls into has previously not been demanded or required when applying for a concession SmartRider. (3) No. Unless they are holding a Seniors SmartRider, aged and disability pensioners are currently not able to access free public transport on Sundays and public holidays. (4) The free entitlement can only be accessed via SmartRider, so aged and disability support pension cardholders will need to have a pensioner SmartRider, assuming that they do not hold a WA Seniors Card, in which case they are better off with a Seniors SmartRider. Aged and disability support pension cardholders can apply for the new pensioner SmartRider from 16 March 2009, with the new entitlements program to start on 4 April 2009. They can apply at their nearest Transperth InfoCentre or SmartRider retail sales outlet. They can also call the Transperth info line on 13 62 13 and ask to have an application sent to them in the post. After completing the application form, they can either send it back to Transperth, which will check their entitlement and post the card back to them, or they can hand it in at a Transperth InfoCentre or SmartRider retail sales outlet and the card will be issued to them on the spot. There are no fees associated with the initial card issuance. If the aged or disability support pension cardholder already has a SmartRider, most likely a concession SmartRider, they will need to have it reprogrammed to become a pensioner SmartRider. This is a simple and quick procedure done on the spot. They can do this from 16 March 2009 at any Transperth InfoCentre or SmartRider retail sales outlet. Again, there is no charge associated with changing the card.
(3) Can aged and disability pensioners currently access free public transport on Sundays and public holidays? (4) Can the minister detail exactly what action an aged or disability pensioner will need to take to access the weekday free public transport commencing next month? Hon SIMON O’BRIEN replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question and also for her interest in the matter. The honourable member may be interested to know that the considerable extension of seniors’ benefits and free travel benefits to aged and disability pensioners that was announced recently to commence from 4 April follows on from free travel that was introduced on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays for seniors, which was introduced by the former coalition government all those years ago. (1) As at 12 March 2009 a total of 294 488 Seniors SmartRiders have been issued since the program commenced. (2) A total of 20 656 concession SmartRiders have been issued using the health care card entitlement provision. Aged and disability support pensioners would be amongst that grouping but the specific criteria of which group of health care card recipient falls into has previously not been demanded or required when applying for a concession SmartRider. (3) No. Unless they are holding a Seniors SmartRider, aged and disability pensioners are currently not able to access free public transport on Sundays and public holidays. (4) The free entitlement can only be accessed via SmartRider, so aged and disability support pension cardholders will need to have a pensioner SmartRider, assuming that they do not hold a WA Seniors Card, in which case they are better off with a Seniors SmartRider. Aged and disability support pension cardholders can apply for the new pensioner SmartRider from 16 March 2009, with the new entitlements program to start on 4 April 2009. They can apply at their nearest Transperth InfoCentre or SmartRider retail sales outlet. They can also call the Transperth info line on 13 62 13 and ask to have an application sent to them in the post. After completing the application form, they can either send it back to Transperth, which will check their entitlement and post the card back to them, or they can hand it in at a Transperth InfoCentre or SmartRider retail sales outlet and the card will be issued to them on the spot. There are no fees associated with the initial card issuance. If the aged or disability support pension cardholder already has a SmartRider, most likely a concession SmartRider, they will need to have it reprogrammed to become a pensioner SmartRider. This is a simple and quick procedure done on the spot. They can do this from 16 March 2009 at any Transperth InfoCentre or SmartRider retail sales outlet. Again, there is no charge associated with changing the card.
(4) Can the minister detail exactly what action an aged or disability pensioner will need to take to access the weekday free public transport commencing next month? Hon SIMON O’BRIEN replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question and also for her interest in the matter. The honourable member may be interested to know that the considerable extension of seniors’ benefits and free travel benefits to aged and disability pensioners that was announced recently to commence from 4 April follows on from free travel that was introduced on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays for seniors, which was introduced by the former coalition government all those years ago. (1) As at 12 March 2009 a total of 294 488 Seniors SmartRiders have been issued since the program commenced. (2) A total of 20 656 concession SmartRiders have been issued using the health care card entitlement provision. Aged and disability support pensioners would be amongst that grouping but the specific criteria of which group of health care card recipient falls into has previously not been demanded or required when applying for a concession SmartRider. (3) No. Unless they are holding a Seniors SmartRider, aged and disability pensioners are currently not able to access free public transport on Sundays and public holidays. (4) The free entitlement can only be accessed via SmartRider, so aged and disability support pension cardholders will need to have a pensioner SmartRider, assuming that they do not hold a WA Seniors Card, in which case they are better off with a Seniors SmartRider. Aged and disability support pension cardholders can apply for the new pensioner SmartRider from 16 March 2009, with the new entitlements program to start on 4 April 2009. They can apply at their nearest Transperth InfoCentre or SmartRider retail sales outlet. They can also call the Transperth info line on 13 62 13 and ask to have an application sent to them in the post. After completing the application form, they can either send it back to Transperth, which will check their entitlement and post the card back to them, or they can hand it in at a Transperth InfoCentre or SmartRider retail sales outlet and the card will be issued to them on the spot. There are no fees associated with the initial card issuance. If the aged or disability support pension cardholder already has a SmartRider, most likely a concession SmartRider, they will need to have it reprogrammed to become a pensioner SmartRider. This is a simple and quick procedure done on the spot. They can do this from 16 March 2009 at any Transperth InfoCentre or SmartRider retail sales outlet. Again, there is no charge associated with changing the card.
Hon SIMON O’BRIEN replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question and also for her interest in the matter. The honourable member may be interested to know that the considerable extension of seniors’ benefits and free travel benefits to aged and disability pensioners that was announced recently to commence from 4 April follows on from free travel that was introduced on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays for seniors, which was introduced by the former coalition government all those years ago. (1) As at 12 March 2009 a total of 294 488 Seniors SmartRiders have been issued since the program commenced. (2) A total of 20 656 concession SmartRiders have been issued using the health care card entitlement provision. Aged and disability support pensioners would be amongst that grouping but the specific criteria of which group of health care card recipient falls into has previously not been demanded or required when applying for a concession SmartRider. (3) No. Unless they are holding a Seniors SmartRider, aged and disability pensioners are currently not able to access free public transport on Sundays and public holidays. (4) The free entitlement can only be accessed via SmartRider, so aged and disability support pension cardholders will need to have a pensioner SmartRider, assuming that they do not hold a WA Seniors Card, in which case they are better off with a Seniors SmartRider. Aged and disability support pension cardholders can apply for the new pensioner SmartRider from 16 March 2009, with the new entitlements program to start on 4 April 2009. They can apply at their nearest Transperth InfoCentre or SmartRider retail sales outlet. They can also call the Transperth info line on 13 62 13 and ask to have an application sent to them in the post. After completing the application form, they can either send it back to Transperth, which will check their entitlement and post the card back to them, or they can hand it in at a Transperth InfoCentre or SmartRider retail sales outlet and the card will be issued to them on the spot. There are no fees associated with the initial card issuance. If the aged or disability support pension cardholder already has a SmartRider, most likely a concession SmartRider, they will need to have it reprogrammed to become a pensioner SmartRider. This is a simple and quick procedure done on the spot. They can do this from 16 March 2009 at any Transperth InfoCentre or SmartRider retail sales outlet. Again, there is no charge associated with changing the card.
I thank the member for some notice of this question and also for her interest in the matter. The honourable member may be interested to know that the considerable extension of seniors’ benefits and free travel benefits to aged and disability pensioners that was announced recently to commence from 4 April follows on from free travel that was introduced on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays for seniors, which was introduced by the former coalition government all those years ago. (1) As at 12 March 2009 a total of 294 488 Seniors SmartRiders have been issued since the program commenced. (2) A total of 20 656 concession SmartRiders have been issued using the health care card entitlement provision. Aged and disability support pensioners would be amongst that grouping but the specific criteria of which group of health care card recipient falls into has previously not been demanded or required when applying for a concession SmartRider. (3) No. Unless they are holding a Seniors SmartRider, aged and disability pensioners are currently not able to access free public transport on Sundays and public holidays. (4) The free entitlement can only be accessed via SmartRider, so aged and disability support pension cardholders will need to have a pensioner SmartRider, assuming that they do not hold a WA Seniors Card, in which case they are better off with a Seniors SmartRider. Aged and disability support pension cardholders can apply for the new pensioner SmartRider from 16 March 2009, with the new entitlements program to start on 4 April 2009. They can apply at their nearest Transperth InfoCentre or SmartRider retail sales outlet. They can also call the Transperth info line on 13 62 13 and ask to have an application sent to them in the post. After completing the application form, they can either send it back to Transperth, which will check their entitlement and post the card back to them, or they can hand it in at a Transperth InfoCentre or SmartRider retail sales outlet and the card will be issued to them on the spot. There are no fees associated with the initial card issuance. If the aged or disability support pension cardholder already has a SmartRider, most likely a concession SmartRider, they will need to have it reprogrammed to become a pensioner SmartRider. This is a simple and quick procedure done on the spot. They can do this from 16 March 2009 at any Transperth InfoCentre or SmartRider retail sales outlet. Again, there is no charge associated with changing the card.
(1) As at 12 March 2009 a total of 294 488 Seniors SmartRiders have been issued since the program commenced. (2) A total of 20 656 concession SmartRiders have been issued using the health care card entitlement provision. Aged and disability support pensioners would be amongst that grouping but the specific criteria of which group of health care card recipient falls into has previously not been demanded or required when applying for a concession SmartRider. (3) No. Unless they are holding a Seniors SmartRider, aged and disability pensioners are currently not able to access free public transport on Sundays and public holidays. (4) The free entitlement can only be accessed via SmartRider, so aged and disability support pension cardholders will need to have a pensioner SmartRider, assuming that they do not hold a WA Seniors Card, in which case they are better off with a Seniors SmartRider. Aged and disability support pension cardholders can apply for the new pensioner SmartRider from 16 March 2009, with the new entitlements program to start on 4 April 2009. They can apply at their nearest Transperth InfoCentre or SmartRider retail sales outlet. They can also call the Transperth info line on 13 62 13 and ask to have an application sent to them in the post. After completing the application form, they can either send it back to Transperth, which will check their entitlement and post the card back to them, or they can hand it in at a Transperth InfoCentre or SmartRider retail sales outlet and the card will be issued to them on the spot. There are no fees associated with the initial card issuance. If the aged or disability support pension cardholder already has a SmartRider, most likely a concession SmartRider, they will need to have it reprogrammed to become a pensioner SmartRider. This is a simple and quick procedure done on the spot. They can do this from 16 March 2009 at any Transperth InfoCentre or SmartRider retail sales outlet. Again, there is no charge associated with changing the card.
(2) A total of 20 656 concession SmartRiders have been issued using the health care card entitlement provision. Aged and disability support pensioners would be amongst that grouping but the specific criteria of which group of health care card recipient falls into has previously not been demanded or required when applying for a concession SmartRider. (3) No. Unless they are holding a Seniors SmartRider, aged and disability pensioners are currently not able to access free public transport on Sundays and public holidays. (4) The free entitlement can only be accessed via SmartRider, so aged and disability support pension cardholders will need to have a pensioner SmartRider, assuming that they do not hold a WA Seniors Card, in which case they are better off with a Seniors SmartRider. Aged and disability support pension cardholders can apply for the new pensioner SmartRider from 16 March 2009, with the new entitlements program to start on 4 April 2009. They can apply at their nearest Transperth InfoCentre or SmartRider retail sales outlet. They can also call the Transperth info line on 13 62 13 and ask to have an application sent to them in the post. After completing the application form, they can either send it back to Transperth, which will check their entitlement and post the card back to them, or they can hand it in at a Transperth InfoCentre or SmartRider retail sales outlet and the card will be issued to them on the spot. There are no fees associated with the initial card issuance. If the aged or disability support pension cardholder already has a SmartRider, most likely a concession SmartRider, they will need to have it reprogrammed to become a pensioner SmartRider. This is a simple and quick procedure done on the spot. They can do this from 16 March 2009 at any Transperth InfoCentre or SmartRider retail sales outlet. Again, there is no charge associated with changing the card.
(3) No. Unless they are holding a Seniors SmartRider, aged and disability pensioners are currently not able to access free public transport on Sundays and public holidays. (4) The free entitlement can only be accessed via SmartRider, so aged and disability support pension cardholders will need to have a pensioner SmartRider, assuming that they do not hold a WA Seniors Card, in which case they are better off with a Seniors SmartRider. Aged and disability support pension cardholders can apply for the new pensioner SmartRider from 16 March 2009, with the new entitlements program to start on 4 April 2009. They can apply at their nearest Transperth InfoCentre or SmartRider retail sales outlet. They can also call the Transperth info line on 13 62 13 and ask to have an application sent to them in the post. After completing the application form, they can either send it back to Transperth, which will check their entitlement and post the card back to them, or they can hand it in at a Transperth InfoCentre or SmartRider retail sales outlet and the card will be issued to them on the spot. There are no fees associated with the initial card issuance. If the aged or disability support pension cardholder already has a SmartRider, most likely a concession SmartRider, they will need to have it reprogrammed to become a pensioner SmartRider. This is a simple and quick procedure done on the spot. They can do this from 16 March 2009 at any Transperth InfoCentre or SmartRider retail sales outlet. Again, there is no charge associated with changing the card.
(4) The free entitlement can only be accessed via SmartRider, so aged and disability support pension cardholders will need to have a pensioner SmartRider, assuming that they do not hold a WA Seniors Card, in which case they are better off with a Seniors SmartRider. Aged and disability support pension cardholders can apply for the new pensioner SmartRider from 16 March 2009, with the new entitlements program to start on 4 April 2009. They can apply at their nearest Transperth InfoCentre or SmartRider retail sales outlet. They can also call the Transperth info line on 13 62 13 and ask to have an application sent to them in the post. After completing the application form, they can either send it back to Transperth, which will check their entitlement and post the card back to them, or they can hand it in at a Transperth InfoCentre or SmartRider retail sales outlet and the card will be issued to them on the spot. There are no fees associated with the initial card issuance. If the aged or disability support pension cardholder already has a SmartRider, most likely a concession SmartRider, they will need to have it reprogrammed to become a pensioner SmartRider. This is a simple and quick procedure done on the spot. They can do this from 16 March 2009 at any Transperth InfoCentre or SmartRider retail sales outlet. Again, there is no charge associated with changing the card.
(2) How many aged and disability pensioners have concession SmartRider cards that are not Seniors SmartRider cards? (3) Can aged and disability pensioners currently access free public transport on Sundays and public holidays? (4) Can the minister detail exactly what action an aged or disability pensioner will need to take to access the weekday free public transport commencing next month? Hon SIMON O’BRIEN replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question and also for her interest in the matter. The honourable member may be interested to know that the considerable extension of seniors’ benefits and free travel benefits to aged and disability pensioners that was announced recently to commence from 4 April follows on from free travel that was introduced on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays for seniors, which was introduced by the former coalition government all those years ago. (1) As at 12 March 2009 a total of 294 488 Seniors SmartRiders have been issued since the program commenced. (2) A total of 20 656 concession SmartRiders have been issued using the health care card entitlement provision. Aged and disability support pensioners would be amongst that grouping but the specific criteria of which group of health care card recipient falls into has previously not been demanded or required when applying for a concession SmartRider. (3) No. Unless they are holding a Seniors SmartRider, aged and disability pensioners are currently not able to access free public transport on Sundays and public holidays. (4) The free entitlement can only be accessed via SmartRider, so aged and disability support pension cardholders will need to have a pensioner SmartRider, assuming that they do not hold a WA Seniors Card, in which case they are better off with a Seniors SmartRider. Aged and disability support pension cardholders can apply for the new pensioner SmartRider from 16 March 2009, with the new entitlements program to start on 4 April 2009. They can apply at their nearest Transperth InfoCentre or SmartRider retail sales outlet. They can also call the Transperth info line on 13 62 13 and ask to have an application sent to them in the post. After completing the application form, they can either send it back to Transperth, which will check their entitlement and post the card back to them, or they can hand it in at a Transperth InfoCentre or SmartRider retail sales outlet and the card will be issued to them on the spot. There are no fees associated with the initial card issuance. If the aged or disability support pension cardholder already has a SmartRider, most likely a concession SmartRider, they will need to have it reprogrammed to become a pensioner SmartRider. This is a simple and quick procedure done on the spot. They can do this from 16 March 2009 at any Transperth InfoCentre or SmartRider retail sales outlet. Again, there is no charge associated with changing the card.
(3) Can aged and disability pensioners currently access free public transport on Sundays and public holidays? (4) Can the minister detail exactly what action an aged or disability pensioner will need to take to access the weekday free public transport commencing next month? Hon SIMON O’BRIEN replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question and also for her interest in the matter. The honourable member may be interested to know that the considerable extension of seniors’ benefits and free travel benefits to aged and disability pensioners that was announced recently to commence from 4 April follows on from free travel that was introduced on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays for seniors, which was introduced by the former coalition government all those years ago. (1) As at 12 March 2009 a total of 294 488 Seniors SmartRiders have been issued since the program commenced. (2) A total of 20 656 concession SmartRiders have been issued using the health care card entitlement provision. Aged and disability support pensioners would be amongst that grouping but the specific criteria of which group of health care card recipient falls into has previously not been demanded or required when applying for a concession SmartRider. (3) No. Unless they are holding a Seniors SmartRider, aged and disability pensioners are currently not able to access free public transport on Sundays and public holidays. (4) The free entitlement can only be accessed via SmartRider, so aged and disability support pension cardholders will need to have a pensioner SmartRider, assuming that they do not hold a WA Seniors Card, in which case they are better off with a Seniors SmartRider. Aged and disability support pension cardholders can apply for the new pensioner SmartRider from 16 March 2009, with the new entitlements program to start on 4 April 2009. They can apply at their nearest Transperth InfoCentre or SmartRider retail sales outlet. They can also call the Transperth info line on 13 62 13 and ask to have an application sent to them in the post. After completing the application form, they can either send it back to Transperth, which will check their entitlement and post the card back to them, or they can hand it in at a Transperth InfoCentre or SmartRider retail sales outlet and the card will be issued to them on the spot. There are no fees associated with the initial card issuance. If the aged or disability support pension cardholder already has a SmartRider, most likely a concession SmartRider, they will need to have it reprogrammed to become a pensioner SmartRider. This is a simple and quick procedure done on the spot. They can do this from 16 March 2009 at any Transperth InfoCentre or SmartRider retail sales outlet. Again, there is no charge associated with changing the card.
(4) Can the minister detail exactly what action an aged or disability pensioner will need to take to access the weekday free public transport commencing next month? Hon SIMON O’BRIEN replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question and also for her interest in the matter. The honourable member may be interested to know that the considerable extension of seniors’ benefits and free travel benefits to aged and disability pensioners that was announced recently to commence from 4 April follows on from free travel that was introduced on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays for seniors, which was introduced by the former coalition government all those years ago. (1) As at 12 March 2009 a total of 294 488 Seniors SmartRiders have been issued since the program commenced. (2) A total of 20 656 concession SmartRiders have been issued using the health care card entitlement provision. Aged and disability support pensioners would be amongst that grouping but the specific criteria of which group of health care card recipient falls into has previously not been demanded or required when applying for a concession SmartRider. (3) No. Unless they are holding a Seniors SmartRider, aged and disability pensioners are currently not able to access free public transport on Sundays and public holidays. (4) The free entitlement can only be accessed via SmartRider, so aged and disability support pension cardholders will need to have a pensioner SmartRider, assuming that they do not hold a WA Seniors Card, in which case they are better off with a Seniors SmartRider. Aged and disability support pension cardholders can apply for the new pensioner SmartRider from 16 March 2009, with the new entitlements program to start on 4 April 2009. They can apply at their nearest Transperth InfoCentre or SmartRider retail sales outlet. They can also call the Transperth info line on 13 62 13 and ask to have an application sent to them in the post. After completing the application form, they can either send it back to Transperth, which will check their entitlement and post the card back to them, or they can hand it in at a Transperth InfoCentre or SmartRider retail sales outlet and the card will be issued to them on the spot. There are no fees associated with the initial card issuance. If the aged or disability support pension cardholder already has a SmartRider, most likely a concession SmartRider, they will need to have it reprogrammed to become a pensioner SmartRider. This is a simple and quick procedure done on the spot. They can do this from 16 March 2009 at any Transperth InfoCentre or SmartRider retail sales outlet. Again, there is no charge associated with changing the card.
Hon SIMON O’BRIEN replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question and also for her interest in the matter. The honourable member may be interested to know that the considerable extension of seniors’ benefits and free travel benefits to aged and disability pensioners that was announced recently to commence from 4 April follows on from free travel that was introduced on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays for seniors, which was introduced by the former coalition government all those years ago. (1) As at 12 March 2009 a total of 294 488 Seniors SmartRiders have been issued since the program commenced. (2) A total of 20 656 concession SmartRiders have been issued using the health care card entitlement provision. Aged and disability support pensioners would be amongst that grouping but the specific criteria of which group of health care card recipient falls into has previously not been demanded or required when applying for a concession SmartRider. (3) No. Unless they are holding a Seniors SmartRider, aged and disability pensioners are currently not able to access free public transport on Sundays and public holidays. (4) The free entitlement can only be accessed via SmartRider, so aged and disability support pension cardholders will need to have a pensioner SmartRider, assuming that they do not hold a WA Seniors Card, in which case they are better off with a Seniors SmartRider. Aged and disability support pension cardholders can apply for the new pensioner SmartRider from 16 March 2009, with the new entitlements program to start on 4 April 2009. They can apply at their nearest Transperth InfoCentre or SmartRider retail sales outlet. They can also call the Transperth info line on 13 62 13 and ask to have an application sent to them in the post. After completing the application form, they can either send it back to Transperth, which will check their entitlement and post the card back to them, or they can hand it in at a Transperth InfoCentre or SmartRider retail sales outlet and the card will be issued to them on the spot. There are no fees associated with the initial card issuance. If the aged or disability support pension cardholder already has a SmartRider, most likely a concession SmartRider, they will need to have it reprogrammed to become a pensioner SmartRider. This is a simple and quick procedure done on the spot. They can do this from 16 March 2009 at any Transperth InfoCentre or SmartRider retail sales outlet. Again, there is no charge associated with changing the card.
I thank the member for some notice of this question and also for her interest in the matter. The honourable member may be interested to know that the considerable extension of seniors’ benefits and free travel benefits to aged and disability pensioners that was announced recently to commence from 4 April follows on from free travel that was introduced on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays for seniors, which was introduced by the former coalition government all those years ago. (1) As at 12 March 2009 a total of 294 488 Seniors SmartRiders have been issued since the program commenced. (2) A total of 20 656 concession SmartRiders have been issued using the health care card entitlement provision. Aged and disability support pensioners would be amongst that grouping but the specific criteria of which group of health care card recipient falls into has previously not been demanded or required when applying for a concession SmartRider. (3) No. Unless they are holding a Seniors SmartRider, aged and disability pensioners are currently not able to access free public transport on Sundays and public holidays. (4) The free entitlement can only be accessed via SmartRider, so aged and disability support pension cardholders will need to have a pensioner SmartRider, assuming that they do not hold a WA Seniors Card, in which case they are better off with a Seniors SmartRider. Aged and disability support pension cardholders can apply for the new pensioner SmartRider from 16 March 2009, with the new entitlements program to start on 4 April 2009. They can apply at their nearest Transperth InfoCentre or SmartRider retail sales outlet. They can also call the Transperth info line on 13 62 13 and ask to have an application sent to them in the post. After completing the application form, they can either send it back to Transperth, which will check their entitlement and post the card back to them, or they can hand it in at a Transperth InfoCentre or SmartRider retail sales outlet and the card will be issued to them on the spot. There are no fees associated with the initial card issuance. If the aged or disability support pension cardholder already has a SmartRider, most likely a concession SmartRider, they will need to have it reprogrammed to become a pensioner SmartRider. This is a simple and quick procedure done on the spot. They can do this from 16 March 2009 at any Transperth InfoCentre or SmartRider retail sales outlet. Again, there is no charge associated with changing the card.
(1) As at 12 March 2009 a total of 294 488 Seniors SmartRiders have been issued since the program commenced. (2) A total of 20 656 concession SmartRiders have been issued using the health care card entitlement provision. Aged and disability support pensioners would be amongst that grouping but the specific criteria of which group of health care card recipient falls into has previously not been demanded or required when applying for a concession SmartRider. (3) No. Unless they are holding a Seniors SmartRider, aged and disability pensioners are currently not able to access free public transport on Sundays and public holidays. (4) The free entitlement can only be accessed via SmartRider, so aged and disability support pension cardholders will need to have a pensioner SmartRider, assuming that they do not hold a WA Seniors Card, in which case they are better off with a Seniors SmartRider. Aged and disability support pension cardholders can apply for the new pensioner SmartRider from 16 March 2009, with the new entitlements program to start on 4 April 2009. They can apply at their nearest Transperth InfoCentre or SmartRider retail sales outlet. They can also call the Transperth info line on 13 62 13 and ask to have an application sent to them in the post. After completing the application form, they can either send it back to Transperth, which will check their entitlement and post the card back to them, or they can hand it in at a Transperth InfoCentre or SmartRider retail sales outlet and the card will be issued to them on the spot. There are no fees associated with the initial card issuance. If the aged or disability support pension cardholder already has a SmartRider, most likely a concession SmartRider, they will need to have it reprogrammed to become a pensioner SmartRider. This is a simple and quick procedure done on the spot. They can do this from 16 March 2009 at any Transperth InfoCentre or SmartRider retail sales outlet. Again, there is no charge associated with changing the card.
(2) A total of 20 656 concession SmartRiders have been issued using the health care card entitlement provision. Aged and disability support pensioners would be amongst that grouping but the specific criteria of which group of health care card recipient falls into has previously not been demanded or required when applying for a concession SmartRider. (3) No. Unless they are holding a Seniors SmartRider, aged and disability pensioners are currently not able to access free public transport on Sundays and public holidays. (4) The free entitlement can only be accessed via SmartRider, so aged and disability support pension cardholders will need to have a pensioner SmartRider, assuming that they do not hold a WA Seniors Card, in which case they are better off with a Seniors SmartRider. Aged and disability support pension cardholders can apply for the new pensioner SmartRider from 16 March 2009, with the new entitlements program to start on 4 April 2009. They can apply at their nearest Transperth InfoCentre or SmartRider retail sales outlet. They can also call the Transperth info line on 13 62 13 and ask to have an application sent to them in the post. After completing the application form, they can either send it back to Transperth, which will check their entitlement and post the card back to them, or they can hand it in at a Transperth InfoCentre or SmartRider retail sales outlet and the card will be issued to them on the spot. There are no fees associated with the initial card issuance. If the aged or disability support pension cardholder already has a SmartRider, most likely a concession SmartRider, they will need to have it reprogrammed to become a pensioner SmartRider. This is a simple and quick procedure done on the spot. They can do this from 16 March 2009 at any Transperth InfoCentre or SmartRider retail sales outlet. Again, there is no charge associated with changing the card.
(3) No. Unless they are holding a Seniors SmartRider, aged and disability pensioners are currently not able to access free public transport on Sundays and public holidays. (4) The free entitlement can only be accessed via SmartRider, so aged and disability support pension cardholders will need to have a pensioner SmartRider, assuming that they do not hold a WA Seniors Card, in which case they are better off with a Seniors SmartRider. Aged and disability support pension cardholders can apply for the new pensioner SmartRider from 16 March 2009, with the new entitlements program to start on 4 April 2009. They can apply at their nearest Transperth InfoCentre or SmartRider retail sales outlet. They can also call the Transperth info line on 13 62 13 and ask to have an application sent to them in the post. After completing the application form, they can either send it back to Transperth, which will check their entitlement and post the card back to them, or they can hand it in at a Transperth InfoCentre or SmartRider retail sales outlet and the card will be issued to them on the spot. There are no fees associated with the initial card issuance. If the aged or disability support pension cardholder already has a SmartRider, most likely a concession SmartRider, they will need to have it reprogrammed to become a pensioner SmartRider. This is a simple and quick procedure done on the spot. They can do this from 16 March 2009 at any Transperth InfoCentre or SmartRider retail sales outlet. Again, there is no charge associated with changing the card.
(4) The free entitlement can only be accessed via SmartRider, so aged and disability support pension cardholders will need to have a pensioner SmartRider, assuming that they do not hold a WA Seniors Card, in which case they are better off with a Seniors SmartRider. Aged and disability support pension cardholders can apply for the new pensioner SmartRider from 16 March 2009, with the new entitlements program to start on 4 April 2009. They can apply at their nearest Transperth InfoCentre or SmartRider retail sales outlet. They can also call the Transperth info line on 13 62 13 and ask to have an application sent to them in the post. After completing the application form, they can either send it back to Transperth, which will check their entitlement and post the card back to them, or they can hand it in at a Transperth InfoCentre or SmartRider retail sales outlet and the card will be issued to them on the spot. There are no fees associated with the initial card issuance. If the aged or disability support pension cardholder already has a SmartRider, most likely a concession SmartRider, they will need to have it reprogrammed to become a pensioner SmartRider. This is a simple and quick procedure done on the spot. They can do this from 16 March 2009 at any Transperth InfoCentre or SmartRider retail sales outlet. Again, there is no charge associated with changing the card.
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