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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
National
Jonathan Barrett, Elias Visontay and Tamsin Rose

Are Australia’s public transport discounts for seniors too generous? Are they fair?

A train at a station with the Sydney Harbour Bridge in the background
Milson’s Point Station in Sydney. Most seniors’ discounts kick in at age 60, depending on their working arrangements. Photograph: Bianca de Marchi/AAP

It’s the uncomfortable question few politicians would dare to ask. Are generous travel discounts afforded to Australia’s older citizens, especially self-funded retirees who are not means tested, sustainable? Moreover, are they fair?

Seniors have long enjoyed heavily subsidised public transport fares across Australia. But as the population ages, public finance strains and a cost-of-living crisis weighs disproportionately on younger generations, some are suggesting a rethink.

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