Ex-members of the Defence Forces with vision impairment (Blinded Soldier Pass)

Eligibility

The NSW Blinded Soldier Ex-Members of the Defence Forces Pass is available to war veterans from Australia and New Zealand who:

• Reside permanently in NSW
• Are War veterans classified by the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) as blinded due to war service
• receive an Attendant's Allowance. A Pass marked with Plus Attendant gives a public transport entitlement to an attendant when travelling with the cardholder.

Concession fares

Free travel on regulated services. Blinded soldiers may also be eligible for subsidised taxi travel under the Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme.

Concession fares under MyZone

Under MyZone, concession entitlements remain the same or similar to previous arrangements, although some ticket products or prices may have changed. From 1 July 2011, the MyMulti tickets, the Pensioner Excursion Ticket and family Funday Sunday have been available for use on light rail. These tickets are not sold on light rail and must be purchased before boarding. See the Buying Tickets page . Entitlements and ticket products remain the same on services not covered by the MyZone structure, such as private ferries, monorail and CountryLink services.

For holders of a NSW Blinded Soldier Ex-Members of the Defence Force Pass (and an attendant where entitled) free travel arrangements on public transport remain the same under MyZone

Entitlements

Rail

Bus

Ferry

Other

Free - Means this category of beneficiary is entitled to free travel. The user must have a valid entitlement card and produce on request.

Assistance animals - Assistance animals (with or without an Assistance Animal pass) travel free.

Carers and Attendants - Where Pass is marked "Plus attendant", an attendant can also travel for free. Similarly, Companion Card holders are entitled to free transport for an attendant.

General - Concession entitlements are not available on special or premium services, charter services, special event services or tourism services.

1. The fast ferry services operating between Manly and Circular Quay, light rail and monorail services are privately owned and operated services. Any concession benefits or discounted tickets are provided by the operators of these services at their discretion. Check with the operator before travelling. However, as indicated, From 1 July 2011, MyMulti, Family Funday Sunday and the Pensioner Excursion Ticket have been available for use on light rail.
2. Most contracted private ferry services recognise the standard concession entitlements but may have different arrangements, based on their existing contractual obligations. Check with the operator before travelling.

Proof of eligibility

Blinded soldiers must hold a NSW Blinded Soldier Pass and must present it on entry to/exit from a service or at the request of a Transport Officer, to verify their entitlement.

Note: The Blinded Soldier Medallion is no longer being issued. The Medallion has been replaced by the Blinded Soldier Pass, which is now the standard form of proof of entitlement.

NSW Blinded Soldier Pass

Where to apply

The Blinded Soldier Pass is issued by RailCorp's Passes and Concessions office.

Download an application form or replacement pass form for the Ex-Members of the Defence Forces Pass with Vision Impairment (Blinded Soliders' Pass) or obtain a form from the RailCorp Passes and Concessions office, the Department of Veteran Affairs or a regional RSL Sub Branch office.

How long the pass can be used

The pass is valid for 3 years.

Fees

There is no fee for the original card issue or replacement cards.