Gold Coast City Council axes free off-peak travel for seniors and veterans

Gold Coast seniors say they’re becoming “desperate” after being handed a fresh financial blow by Gold Coast City Council. FULL DETAILS

Gold Coast seniors say they’re becoming “desperate” after the latest financial hit from Gold Coast City Council.

Gold Coast seniors say they’re becoming “desperate” after the latest financial hit from Gold Coast City Council.

As of July 1 council will discontinue free off-peak bus travel to seniors and veterans.

The incentive was initially introduced in 2013, providing subsidised bus trips to some of the city’s most vulnerable.

One senior said “like many” they live pension to pension – concerned this latest blow will only make matters worse on top of the recent ‘View Tax’ which saw rate hikes for apartment owners across the city.

“I, like a lot of people, have become desperate,” the local resident said.

“I live pension to pension, I have nothing in the bank. I can’t afford to drive like many others my age. I live with the terror of my levies increasing and I’m not the only one.

Bus stops along Scarborough St, Southport. Picture: Jerad Williams

Everyone I speak to is the same – people are running out trying to get part-time jobs that aren’t being given out to seniors just to put food on the table, because by the time you pay levies, water rates, land rates, view tax – there’s nothing left.”

The senior said while fares may only be 50 cents now, every cent adds up when you’re living life on a pension.

“It all adds up – even if there’s times you forget to tap off, you’re hit with a $5 fee,” they said.

“That’s the difference between being able to purchase a loaf of bread to get through the week and not.”

The pensioner said they were angry at the recent decision, calling it an “injustice”.

“These councillors have got no idea of everyday life for many of us. They have their cars allotted to them – they don’t need to use public transport,” they said.

“And as for our veterans – we owe them everything. They don’t get the respect they deserve and if they’re going to take it away from us (the seniors) at least don’t take it away from the veterans.”

Surfside buses near Broadbeach South bus stop. Picture Glenn Hampson

Other people across Facebook community boards have voiced their concerns, calling the change “miserable”.

One person said: “Good job GCC (sic), it’s great to see you looking after the people who need it most. Let’s keep taking away from the people who put in so much over the years instead of supporting them!”

Another said: “Shame, more expensive travel and the view tax! Why are council and water rates so high on the GC anyway?”

A spokesman for Mayor Tom Tate’s office said the incentive had been an “incredible success”, with 49,000 registered seniors at its peak but funding used to “administer” the freebie bus travel for seniors would now be “directed into other benefits for pensioners”.

“Councillors decided, as part of its 2025-26 Budget deliberations, to end the program. The basis of the decision was that all public transport users can now travel (for 50 cents) on all modes of public transport, regardless of distance. Council funds which previously went towards administering the scheme are now directed into other benefits for pensioners.”

The statement continued: “For example, while seniors and veterans will pay 50 cents per fare to use public transport, all Gold Coast pensioners will be $298 better off under the 2025-26 budget given council has agreed to a 10 percent increase in the pensioner rebate, giving pensioners an extra $298 in their pockets.

“Council has also agreed to continue the council cab service offering $2 door-to-door services; provide financial assistance through rates and registration concessions and provide hundreds of free active and healthy events for all Gold Coasters including seniors.”