The NSW government has reached an agreement with United Petroleum to provide seniors with a discount on fuel. This comes in the wake of the suspension of the $250 regional travel card scheme.
Under the new arrangement, seniors will qualify for a 4-cent-per-litre discount on up to 150 litres at participating United outlets once per day.
This is in stark contrast to the prior regional travel card program, where a pre-loaded amount of $250 was accessible for use at any fuel station. While new applications for this card were halted last month, existing cardholders can still use theirs until expiration.
Jodie Harrison, Minister for Seniors, announced that United Petroleum was selected from several companies as they had provided the best discount offer for seniors.
She noted that this new discount would enhance the existing seniors card savings, thereby assisting seniors in managing living costs. “This will certainly assist” those struggling with the financial pressures of fixed incomes, she said.
Around 10 United service stations are participating in the Greater Sydney area. To avail of the discount, seniors must register for a United digital or plastic fuel discount card online, which they can then scan at the time of purchase to get the 4-cent-per-litre discount.
The Minns government’s decision last month to suspend the regional seniors travel card program, a Coalition government initiative, has generated criticism. The original card covered various transport expenses, including fuel, taxi fares, and public transportation.
Dugald Saunders, the Nationals leader, has dismissed the United offer as “laughable”, arguing that the original card provided a far superior deal for seniors. He demonstrated that the new scheme would require filling a 60-litre tank 105 times a year, twice a week, to save more than $250 from the regional travel card.
Mr. Saunders has urged the government to reinstate the original travel card, criticizing the new arrangement as a “silly idea” and advocating for seniors to get what they need.
Existing regional senior travel card users can continue to spend the pre-loaded funds until the cards expire.