Pensioner annual free trip scheme

The Pensioner Annual Free Trip Scheme is part of our commitment to make transport services accessible to all Western Australians.

The Department of Transport (DoT) manages Pensioner Annual Free Trip Scheme 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.

From January 2020, Centrelink and the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) will no longer send WA Free Trip Vouchers with new concession card(s). DoT will need your concession details to confirm your entitlements before you book and travel.

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 Department of Human Services (DHS)/Centrelink or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA). 

If you hold a WA Seniors Card and are not in receipt of a Commonwealth issued Pensioner Concession Card, you  are not entitled to free travel under this scheme.

Western Australian residents living below the 26th parallel should contact TransWA for details on their free travel entitlements. 

It is important to apply for your free trip at least one month before your proposed date of travel. Upon approval of your application, we will send you a Pensioner Travel Subsidy Voucher, which can then be exchanged for a ticket.

DoT will need your concession details to confirm your entitlements before you book and travel. To apply for the scheme:

1. Print and complete the ODT126: Pensioner Annual Free Trip Scheme application form below.
2. Include photocopies/photographs of both sides of your Centrelink or DVA Pensioner Concession and/or DVA Gold Health cards.
   Please ensure these copies are clear and legible. If you use a digital wallet instead of physical cards, you can submit screenshots of both sides of your digital wallet.
3. If you still have the paper based vouchers, submit a photo of the vouchers and submit them via email, or post the originals, to DoT.
4. Submit the application form and relevant documentation to DoT via email or post to:
   Travel Subsidy Officer
   Department of Transport
   GPO Box C102
   PERTH WA 6839.

1. Trips must always start and/or finish north of the 26th parallel. Travel cannot be undertaken between towns north of the 26th parallel.
2. Unused trips do not accumulate. If you do not use your entitlement before it expires, it is not carried over to the next year.  
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. No allowance is paid for the cost of travel to your departure point, such as taxi or airport transfers.
6. Free travel does not include stop-over charges or accommodation.
7. Travel is subject to the availability of bookings with the transport operator or travel agent.
8. If you cancel your trip, you must notify DoT immediately. Reinstatement of your travel entitlement will depend on the cancellation conditions of your booking.
9. Any fees incurred as a result of cancelling or changing travel arrangements must be borne by the traveller. 
10. Additional costs such as booking fees, credit card fees and charges for additional baggage will borne by the traveller. 

What do I do if my travel plans change?

We know plans often change. To cancel or re-schedule your trip, call us on 1300 660 147 prior to the scheduled departure of the first leg of your journey and we will re-book or arrange for your Pensioner Annual Free Trip Scheme entitlement to be reinstated.

Can I still use my WA Free Trip Vouchers from Centrelink or DVA if I have not applied to DoT? 

From 2020 you must apply to DoT to receive free travel entitlements under the Pensioner Annual Free Trip Scheme.

Can I still receive a concession fare after I have used my free travel entitlements?

In addition to the Pensioner Annual Free Trip Scheme, WA Pensioner Concession cardholders and DVA Gold Health cardholders 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.

Am I entitled to other travel entitlements if I live in the south of Western Australia? 

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. 

Upon approval of your application, we will send you a Pensioner Travel Subsidy Voucher, which can then be exchanged for a ticket.