Seniors almost caught up in myki mess
National Seniors Australia (NSA) has resolved a mix-up with the Transport Ticketing Authority (TTA) after NSA found out Victorian seniors travelling on weekends could be accused of fare evasion and be fined for unknowingly travelling with an old card.
NSA contacted the Minister last week after hearing that the TTA had planned to withdraw Seniors Sunday Pass cards from 31 January resulting in seniors being fined if they used their card.
Many holders of the Victorian Seniors Card are still waiting for their new registered Myki card due to distribution delays.
NSA Victorian manager, Arnold Bates, said the problem had now been averted after the Minister agreed to delay the withdrawal of the Sunday passes for another two months.
“We have been very concerned that many seniors would go out and use their cards and then face a hefty fine because no-one had told them these cards were no longer valid,’’ he said.
Mr Bates said whilst there had been a delay in the rollout of the new cards, the Minister had advised new cards were on track to be issued on time to meet the new deadline.
“We thank the new Minister for acting promptly to arrange a delay of changeover for two months in order for the TTA to get its dispatch of new Myki Seniors Cards in order.”
“The 900,000 Victorian Seniors Card holders are looking forward to receiving their new cards without having all this other hassle.”
