LIBERAL MLC Aileen MacDonald has called for the NSW Government to immediately reinstate three-month and six-month NSW TrainLink Discovery Passes, describing the removal as a “quiet cut” that disproportionately hurts regional communities.
Speaking in the Legislative Council last week, Ms MacDonald moved a motion highlighting the significant impact of the removal of the passes on regional students, seniors, and families, and condemned a lack of public consultation or explanation.
“These passes weren’t a luxury,” Ms MacDonald said.
“They were essential, used by students to get home from university, by older residents staying socially connected, and by working people accessing health care and services in regional hubs.
“To remove them without warning and call it a ‘pause’ is a cost-of-living hike by stealth.”
The six-month Discovery Pass, previously available for $420, offered unlimited travel across NSW TrainLink’s regional train and coach network.
It has now been paused, leaving only more expensive 14-day and 30-day options.
Ms MacDonald said the change has effectively doubled the monthly cost for many users.
Labor MLC Emily Suvaal, responding to Ms MacDonald in parliament, said the Discovery Passes were solely designed for tourism use.
“The Discovery Pass is a discount product promoted for tourism travellers and intended for their use only,” Ms Suvaal said.
“It was never intended as a discounted product for commuters or as a concessional entitlement.
“As they are, the terms of the Discovery Pass are 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.
“A decision on the longer-term Discovery passes will be made following this review.”
Ms Suvaal notes that Discovery Passes make up “just four percent of total annual patronage”.
Ms MacDonald challenged the characterisation of the passes as tourist products.
“Real people, regional people used this pass to live their lives affordably and now they’re left without answers,” she said.
“Meanwhile, metro passengers can tap on and off with regular options, while regional travellers are told to ‘just buy six 30-day passes in a row’.
“Regional people shouldn’t have to beg for services that are taken for granted in the city.”
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