Travel concessions for vision impaired persons

Eligibility

Blind or severely vision impaired persons, as assessed by an ophthalmologist (or optometrist in rural and regional areas), who live permanently in NSW are eligible if:

• Visual acuity on the Snellan Scale is less than 6/60 in both eyes while wearing the appropriate optical correction (glasses or contact lenses), or
• The field of vision is constricted to 10 degrees of arc in the better eye irrespective of corrected visual acuity, or
• The combination of visual defects results in the same visual impairment as that which occurs in the above two conditions.

Concessions

NSW and interstate Vision Impaired Person's (VIP) Pass holders can obtain free travel in NSW on:

• CityRail services
• Regular route bus services (excluding school services), both government and privately operated
• Sydney Ferries and Newcastle Ferries services
• Private ferry services (if offered by the operator).

On long distance rail services, NSW and interstate Vision Impaired Persons Pass holders can travel for half fare for travel within NSW. NSW Pass holders have one free travel entitlement a year on CountryLink services.

Concession entitlements for attendants are available for holders of passes marked Plus attendant.

For interstate travel, NSW VIP Pass holders can use their card to obtain entitlements available to card holders in the State or Territory being visited. Note: Entitlements may vary between jurisdictions in relation to concession fares, service coverage and the entitlements available to attendants. Card holders are advised to check with the relevant State or Territory prior to travelling.

Pass holders may also be entitled to subsidised travel on taxis under the Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme.

Entitlements

Train

Bus

Ferry

Other

Free - Means this category of beneficiary is entitled to free travel. The user must have a valid entitlement card (where relevant) and produce that card 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 (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.

1. Vision Impaired Persons are entitled to 1 return or 2 single CountryLink journeys in NSW or the NSW portion of an interstate rail journey each calendar year. Otherwise they are entitled to half-fare concession on CountryLink services.
2. The fast ferries 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. From 1 July 2011, MyMulti, Family Funday Sunday and the Pensioner Excursion Ticket have been available for use on light rail, but must be purchased before boarding. See the Buying Tickets page .
3. 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

Holders of a Vision Impaired Person's Pass are required to show their Pass when entering/exiting a service, and when requested by a Transport Officer to verify their entitlement to free or concession travel, and/or to free travel for their attendant.

An attendant entitlement is only available when indicated on the VIP Pass, or when the VIP holder separately holds a Companion Card.

Vision Impaired Persons Pass

Where to apply

The NSW Vision Impaired Persons Pass is issued by the RailCorp's Passes and Concessions office.

Download an application form or obtain a copy from the RailCorp Passes and Concessions office or a NSW branch of Vision Australia and Guide Dogs Australia.

The application must be completed by an ophthalmologist (or optometrist in rural and regional areas) and involves assessment against the Snellen Scale.

How long a pass can be used

The pass is issued every 3 years.

Fees

No fees apply.