Vision impairment travel pass

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http://translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/other-tickets/special-access-passes/vision-impairment-travel-pass

Vision impairment travel pass

A Vision Impairment Travel Pass entitles the holder to free travel on all TransLink bus, train and ferry services (except Airtrain services).

To apply for a Vision Impairment Travel Pass, call 1300 134 755 or visit www.transport.qld.gov.au.

Do you use a Brisbane City Council-Brisbane Transport Blind Person Pass (including guide)?

From early 2012, holders of a Brisbane City Council Blind Person Pass will migrate to the National Travel Pass - Person with Vision Impairment. The Brisbane City Council Blind Person Pass is being removed because there are other passes that offer greater benefits to the pass holder.

A letter was issued to all current holders of the Brisbane City Council Blind Person Pass on 15th December 2011 outlining the changes and providing advice.

If you would like more information about migrating to the National Travel Pass please see the below FAQs.
What is the National Travel Pass - Person with Vision Impairment?

The National Travel Pass - Person with Vision Impairment is a flash card that entitles the holder to free travel on all TransLink rail, bus and ferry services.

In addition, holders are entitled to free travel on all urban public transport services within Australia.

Frequently asked questions

Who can use the National Travel Pass - Person with Vision Impairment?

If you are a legally blind person, meeting the criteria of the Commonwealth Social Security Act 1991 and a resident of Queensland you are free to apply for this pass.

Do I need a National Travel Pass - Person with Vision Impairment to receive free travel?

Yes.

I have a Brisbane City Council Blind Person Pass and only want to travel around Brisbane. Why do I have to change to the National Travel Pass?

The National Travel Pass allows you to travel on all bus rail and ferry services free of charge. The Brisbane City Council Blind Person Pass will no longer be issued because there are other alternative passes that provide more benefits that the current pass.

What is the difference between a Brisbane City Council Blind Person Pass and the National Travel Pass - Person with Vision Impairment?

A National Travel Pass - Person with Vision Impairment is a flash pass in the same manner as the Brisbane City Council Blind Person Pass. The key difference is the National Travel Pass offers people who are vision impaired much wider choices for travelling on public transport.

You will be able to travel across all 23 TransLink zones of the network, on any TransLink bus, train or ferry service.

You will also be able to use your pass to travel on qconnect bus services in regional Queensland centre and on participating interstate public transport operators.

The National Travel Pass - Person with Vision Impairment does not include a guide but holders of the pass may be eligible for a Queensland Government Companion Card.

Where can I use National Travel Pass?

The National Travel Pass can be used to travel seamlessly on any TransLink bus, train or ferry across all 23 zones. That means you can travel from Gympie in the North to Coolangatta in the south and west to Helidon.

You can also use your pass for free travel on qconnect bus services in regional centres of Queensland.

While long distance train and bus services are not included, you can receive free travel on participating interstate public transport operations. Please check with the relevant state/territory you are visiting for more information.

How do I use the National Travel Pass?

The National Travel Pass is a flash pass. That means, when you board a bus or ferry you must present the pass to the operator. You must also present the pass when requested by an Authorised Person.

Is my carer allowed to travel for free on my National Travel Pass?

No. Carers are not permitted to travel free of charge when accompanying the holder of a National Travel Pass.

You may wish to apply for the Queensland Government Companion Card.

A Companion Card is only issued to an applicant who can demonstrate that he or she:

    is a lawful Australian resident living in Queensland; and
    has a disability; and
    because of the impact of the disability, is unable to participate at most community venues or activities without significant attendant care support; and
    needs, or is likely to need, lifelong attendant care support.

To find out more contact Queensland Companion Card program on 13 QGOV (13 74 68) or visit www.companioncard.gov.au.

Does the National Travel Pass Expire?

Yes, your National Travel Pass is valid for five (5) years from the date of issue. You will be able to renew your pass.

Can I keep my Brisbane City Council Blind Person Pass and have a National Travel Pass?

No. TransLink in consultation with Brisbane Transport is removing the Brisbane City Council Blind Person Pass because the National Travel Pass provides a free travel option on all services operated by TransLink and qconnect services in regional Queensland.

How do I obtain the National Travel Pass?

You can obtain a National Travel Pass by completing an application form and posting the application form to the address on the form. Please allow 15 day to process you application.

Where can I get more information about the National Travel Pass?

Telephone the Vision Impairment Travel Pass Hotline on 1300 134 755 (between the hours of 8.30am to 4.30pm on weekdays), or email tssu@tmr.qld.gov.au