Travel concessions for companion card holders
Eligibility
People with significant and lifelong disabilities who require assistance in their daily lives, can apply for a Companion Card to obtain attendant entitlements for a variety of purposes, including travel on public transport.
Concession fares
Free travel for an attendant when accompanying a Companion Card holder on most services where fares and concessions are regulated by Transport for NSW.
Train
| Operator | Area | Entitlement |
|---|---|---|
| CityRail | Suburban and Intercity network (includes AirportLink Corporation Station Access Fees) | Free |
| CountryLink | All NSW services | Free |
| Great Southern Rail | Sydney - Broken Hill | No concession |
Bus
| Operator | Area | Entitlement |
|---|---|---|
| Government | Metropolitan Sydney and Outer Metropolitan areas (including Newcastle Ferries) | Free |
| Privately operated | Metropolitan Sydney | Free |
| Outer Metropolitan | Free | |
| Rural / Regional | Free |
Ferry
| Operator | Area | Entitlement |
|---|---|---|
| Government | Metropolitan Sydney | Free |
| Fast Ferries to Manly (1) | Circular Quay to Manly | No concession |
| Other private ferries (2) | Metropolitan Sydney | Free |
Other
| Operator | Area | Entitlement |
|---|---|---|
| Light Rail, monorail (1) | Metropolitan Sydney | No concession |
Free - Means this category of beneficiary is entitled to free travel. The user must have a valid entitlement card and produce on request.
General - Concession entitlements are not available on special or premium services, charter services, special event services or tourism services.
Assistance animals - Assistance animals travel free.
- 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, from 1 July 2011, MyMulti, Family Funday Sunday and the Pensioner Excursion Ticket have been available for use on light rail.
- 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
A person with a disability is required to show their Companion Card to obtain free travel for their attendant. A Companion Card holder must also show their card when requested by a transport officer to verify their attendant entitlement.
Companion Card entitlements are only available to an attendant when accompanying the holder of the card (the person with the disability). An attendant travelling on their own is not entitled to free travel.
Companion Card
Where to apply
The NSW Companion Card is issued by Ageing, Disability and Home Care under the Department of Human Services.
-
For details on eligibility for Companion Cards, application forms, and a full list of Companion Card affiliates, visit the NSW Companion Card website
- Call the NSW Companion Card information line on 1800 893 044.
- Applications should be posted to Companion Card, PO Box R160, Royal Exchange NSW 1225.
- A separate application form must be used for replacement cards. Visit the website or call 1800 893 044 to request a 'replacement/change of details' form.
Card holders residing in other States or Territories must apply in their home State/Territory.
How long a card can be used
The card is valid for life.
Fees
No fees apply for the card or replacements.
Last updated 28 February 2012
