Eligible country age pensioners will continue to benefit from the Country Age Pension Fuel Card, thanks to an additional $106 million investment by the State Government.
Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said the funding, made possible by the Liberal National Government's Royalties for Regions, would extend the scheme for a further three years from 2017-18 to 2019-20.
"The scheme was established to help regional pensioners who don't have access to public transport, cover the costs of getting around and accessing services that are often a long way from their homes," Mr Redman said.
"Eligible pensioners are provided with a fuel card to the value of $575 to purchase fuel or taxi fares in 2016-17.
"The scheme helps more than 52,000 regional pensioners who need to travel to see a doctor, participate in community groups and recreational activities or just catch up with family and friends."
Transport Minister Bill Marmion said the popular scheme helped regional pensioners to be more connected to their communities.
"Affordable transport options for regional pensioners help reduce isolation by enabling residents to travel to social services and interact with their community, which has a positive impact for the individual and the whole community," Mr Marmion said.
As at June 30, 2016, there were more than 52,000 active fuel cards in regional Western Australia with more than $24.7 million expended on fuel and taxis by cardholders in 2015-16.
The scheme is administered by the Department of Transport and delivered through WEX Australia Ltd.
Fact File
The Country Age Pension Fuel Card Scheme commenced on May 1, 2009
Fuel card value has increased from $500 per card in 2009 to $575 in 2016-17 and will increase each year as per the Treasury CPI rate up to 2019-20
To contact the Fuel Card Scheme Information Line, phone 1300 666 609
Regional Development Minister's office - 6552 6700
Transport Minister's office - 6552 6800
