Special Ferry Arrangements For Offshore Residents

Member for Pittwater Rob Stokes today announced that special ferry arrangements have been secured for Pittwater’s offshore residents once paper-based Pensioner Excursion Tickets are phased out early next year.

The NSW Government has confirmed that eligible offshore residents who are registered with the Church Point or Palm Beach Ferry Service will be able to use a Gold Senior/Pensioner Opal Card to travel to and from their homes, and right across Sydney’s public transport network, for a maximum charge of $2.50 per day.

Although Pittwater’s private ferry services are not part of the Opal Network, special arrangements have been negotiated to ensure eligible offshore residents are not disadvantaged once paper tickets cease to be available in January 2016.

“This is a really significant outcome for offshore residents,” Rob Stokes said today.

“There are plenty of new advantages with the Opal Card - but it’s really important that we’ve also been able to secure the existing arrangements.

“Pittwater is a unique community with unique transport requirements and I’m delighted these are being accommodated.

“From 1 January eligible offshore residents will simply have to present their Gold Opal Card and Private Ferry Pass when boarding. Once they disembark they can then tap on at the nearest bus stop and continue travelling all day – all for just $2.50.

“Ordering a Gold Opal Card is very simple and can be done online at opal.com.au or over the phone by calling 13 67 25.

“Thank you to everyone involved in helping secure this important outcome,” Rob Stokes said.