Stuart Ayres MP, Member for Penrith today encouraged local residents in Penrith to drop into the Opal information kiosks being held at the Centro Nepean shopping centre next week and apply for a Gold Senior/Pensioner Opal card on the spot.
“With the majority of paper tickets being phased out on 1 January next year, there’s never been a better time to get an Opal card and enjoy the benefits of tap and go travel,” Stuart Ayres said.
“The Pensioner Excursion Ticket is one of the tickets that will no longer be sold, so it’s really important that seniors and pensioners get their Gold Opal card before January.
“To help customers get a card, Transport for NSW is rolling out information kiosks for seniors and pensioners across shopping centres.
“Next week there will be a kiosk at Nepean Centro and Opal staff will be on hand to explain how the Gold Opal card works and help eligible customers apply for a card.”
The kiosk will be open:
· Tuesday 1 September, Wednesday 2 September and Friday 4 September – 9.00am to 4.30pm
· Thursday 3 September– 9.00am to 8.30pm
Stuart Ayres said seniors and pensioners do not need a credit card to apply for their Gold Opal card at the kiosk, but they will need to bring one of the following cards: NSW Seniors Card, Pensioner Concession card, or DVA NSW War Widow/ers card.
“Switching to the Gold Opal card has many benefits. Not only will local seniors and pensioners enjoy the same $2.50 all day travel that they currently get with a Pensioner Excursion Ticket, but having an Gold Opal card means they never need to worry about getting a ticket again,” Stuart Ayres said.
“Just keep it in your purse or wallet and you’re always ready to travel.”
Customers who apply for a Gold Opal card at the information kiosk will receive their card in the mail within five to seven working days.
“Transport for NSW is also holding Gold Opal card information sessions for interested senior/pensioner community groups and organisations like seniors clubs, retirement villages, community centres and RSL clubs. Local organisations interested in hosting an information session can contact my office and we can assist with arranging one,” Stuart Ayres said.
“Opal has lots of benefits for everyone including capped daily and weekly fares, free travel after eight paid journeys a week, and $2.50 all day travel on Sundays. I urge everyone in the Penrith area who doesn’t have an Opal card to get one online at www.opal.com.au, call 13 6725 (13 OPAL) or visit one of the many local Opal retailers where you can get an Adult or Child/Youth Opal card.”
