Pensioners who live north of the 26th parallel are entitled to one return journey by air or coach, per year, to Perth or elsewhere in the South West Land Division (provided the fare is not greater than that to Perth).
About the scheme
The Pensioner Annual Free Trip Scheme (PAFTS) is part of our commitment to make transport services accessible to all Western Australians.
The Department of Transport (DoT) manages PAFTS entitlements for Pensioner Concession Cardholders that live north of the 26th parallel.
The 26th parallel begins at Shark Bay in Western Australia, north of Geraldton.
What am I eligible for?
To be eligible for the scheme, you must:
- have lived north of the 26th parallel continuously for the last two years or more; and
- hold a Pensioner Concession Card from the Services Australia/Centrelink or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA).
Note: If you only hold a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card or WA Seniors Card (with no Pensioner Concession Card), you are not eligible for PAFTS.
For details on free travel entitlements for eligible Western Australian residents living below the 26th parallel, contact Transwa.
Pensioner Annual Free Trip Scheme entitlements
| Concession type | Entitlement under the Pensioner Annual Free Trip Scheme |
|---|---|
|
Pensioner Concession Card from Services Australia or DVA |
One free return or two free single trips each calendar year. |
|
Gold Health Cards from DVA |
Two free return trips each calendar year. |
|
Commonwealth Seniors Health Card from Services Australia |
No free travel entitlement under this scheme. |
|
WA Seniors Card |
No free travel entitlement under this scheme. Visit the WA Seniors Card Centre website for all entitlements. |
How do I apply?
You should apply for your free trip at least one month before your proposed date of travel.
DoT will need your concession details to confirm your entitlements before you book and travel. Follow these steps to apply.
- Print and complete the ODT126: Pensioner Annual Free Trip Scheme application form below.
- Include clear photocopies or photographs of both sides of your eligible concession card (physical card or digital wallet).
- Submit the application form and supporting documents to DoT.
- Email: ondemandtransport@transport.wa.gov.au
- Post:
On-demand Transport
Department of Transport
GPO Box R1290
PERTH WA 6844
Upon approval of your application, we will send you a Pensioner Travel Subsidy Voucher, which can then be exchanged for a ticket.
Conditions of travel
- Trips must always start and/or finish north of the 26th parallel. Travel cannot be undertaken between towns north of the 26th parallel.
- Unused trips do not accumulate. If you do not use your entitlement before it expires, it is not carried over to the next year.
- Only the person issued with the WA Free Trip Voucher is entitled to the free trip. The ticket cannot be transferred, sold or used by another person.
- If one leg of your trip is completed by car, you may use your WA Free Trip Voucher for the other leg if it is completed by air or coach. Travel is valid for one free return trip or two single trips.
- No allowance is paid for the cost of travel to your departure point, such as taxi or airport transfers.
- Free travel does not include stop-over charges or accommodation.
- Travel is subject to the availability of bookings with the transport operator or travel agent.
- If you cancel your trip, you must notify DoT immediately. Reinstatement of your travel entitlement will depend on the cancellation conditions of your booking.
- Any fees incurred as a result of cancelling or changing travel arrangements must be borne by the traveller.
- Additional costs such as booking fees, credit card fees and charges for additional baggage must be borne by the traveller.
Regional Airfare Zone Cap
The Regional Airfare Zone Cap is a partnership between the State Government and six airlines: Airnorth, Nexus Airlines, Qantas Airways, Rex, Skippers Aviation and Virgin Australia, that caps the cost of air travel at $199 for people living within 1,000 km (by road) from Perth or $299 for people living beyond 1,000 km from Perth.
For more information, please visit the Regional Airfare Zone Cap page.
Application and reimbursement forms
Upon approval of your application, we will send you a Pensioner Travel Subsidy Voucher, which can then be exchanged for a ticket.
Contact
For further information about the Pensioner Annual Free Trip Scheme contact us:
Phone: 13 11 56
Email: ondemandtransport@transport.wa.gov.au
Frequently asked questions
To cancel or re-schedule your trip, call us on 13 11 56 prior to the scheduled departure of the first leg of your journey and we will re-book or arrange for your PAFTS entitlement to be reinstated.
No, you must apply to DoT to receive free travel entitlements under PAFTS.
In addition to the Pensioner Annual Free Trip Scheme, WA Pensioner Concession Card holders and DVA Gold Health Card holders can claim a concession on road-based travel. The level of concession depends on a range of factors, including what type of pension card you hold.
Your transport operator can advise the specific details when you complete a booking.
If you live south of the 26th parallel in Western Australia and hold a Pensioner Concession Card or DVA Gold Health Card, you may be entitled to other free travel options. Contact TransWA for more details.