Regional seniors travel card terms

Terms and Conditions

1. Important information 

The regional seniors travel card (“RSTC”) is a community transport scheme, approved by the Minister for Regional Roads and administered by Transport for NSW. The RSTC delivers a $250 prepaid card to eligible seniors in regional, rural and remote areas to be used towards the purchase of fuel and transportation services, such as taxi services and NSW TrainLink train and coach services. 

The following Terms and Conditions apply to the application for, and use of, the RSTC. 
These Terms and Conditions are to be read alongside the regional seniors travel card Product Disclosure Statement (“PDS”) prepared by the Card Issuer. See the regional seniors travel card - Product Disclosure Statement or visit your nearest Service NSW Centre and ask for a printed copy. 

2. Definitions 

2.1 The following definitions apply to these Terms and Conditions: 

a) Account Balance means the available funds on the RSTC 
b) Authorised Transport Expenses has the meaning at clause 8 
c) Card Issuer means Westpac Banking Corporation ABN 33 007 457 141
d) DHS means the Commonwealth Department of Human Services
e) DVA means the Commonwealth Department of Veterans’ Affairs
f) NSW Point means Address Management for NSW Government agencies
g) Eligible Area has the meaning at clause 4
h) Eligible Person has the meaning at clause 3
i) PIN means Personal Identification Number
j) RSTC means the regional seniors travel card
k) SNSW means Service NSW
l) TfNSW means Transport for NSW. 

3. Eligible persons 

3.1 To be eligible for a RSTC, applicants must: 

a) permanently reside in an Eligible Area within NSW; and
b) currently receive the Age Pension (applicants must have been receiving the age pension for at least one month); or
c) currently hold a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (applicants must have held their card for at least one month) (“Eligible Person”). 

3.2 Eligibility for the Age Pension and Commonwealth Seniors Health Card are determined by DHS and DVA.  

3.3 Each applicant’s details are validated electronically with DHS. 

3.4 Each applicant’s residential address is validated by NSW Point to ensure it is within an Eligible Area.  

3.5 Applicants are responsible for ensuring all records with DHS and DVA are up to date.  

3.6 Applicants may reapply for the RSTC if their application is rejected once they have updated their records with DHS or DVA. 

4. Eligible areas 

4.1 Applicants must permanently reside in an eligible Local Government Area (LGA) outside Newcastle and Wollongong Council boundaries (see clause 14 for full list of Eligible Areas).

5. Applicant requirements 

5.1 In making an application for the RSTC, you agree that: 

a) you meet the requirements of an Eligible Person;
b) the information provided in the application process is true and correct; and
c) you agree to comply with these Terms and Conditions and the PDS.

5.2 If you are an agent or carer making an application on behalf of an Eligible Person you agree that: 

a) you are authorised to make the application on behalf of an Eligible Person;
b) you have explained these Terms and Conditions and the PDS to the Eligible Person;
c) the information provided in the application process is true and correct;
d) the application is made for the benefit of the Eligible Person; and
e) the person you are making this application on behalf of has understood and agrees to be bound by these Terms and Conditions and the PDS.    

5.3 Applicants may only apply for one RSTC for each year of its operation.

5.4 Each RSTC will only be issued to an Eligible Person. Applications which do not satisfy the eligibility requirements will be automatically rejected. An applicant will need to visit or call Service NSW if there are queries regarding their application.  

5.5 Where an applicant believes their application has been rejected as a result of an error with DHS validation, it is the responsibility of the applicant to correct any error before re-submitting their application.   

5.6 Applications may be lodged for the 2020 RSTCs from late January 2020. 

5.7 Applications for the RSTC can be submitted online at service.nsw.gov.au, via telephone by calling 13 77 88 or in person at any SNSW Service Centre. When applying in person, ensure you have identification such as your driver licence or passport with you as well as your Pensioner Concession Card or Commonwealth Seniors Health Card. 

5.8 Applications for the 2020 RSTC will close on 30 November 2020. Applications received after this time cannot be accepted.  

5.9 The application period for the 2021 RSTCs is 1 December 2020 - 30 November 2021. 

6. Privacy

6.1 Your privacy is important to us. Information collected by TfNSW and its program delivery partner Service NSW is subject to the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998 (NSW) (PPIP Act) and other relevant laws. Please read the regional seniors travel card Privacy Statement (“Privacy Statement”) to fully understand how your personal information will be handled by TfNSW. The Privacy Statement describes the types of information collected by TfNSW and its program delivery partner Service NSW. The Privacy Statement also explains how you may access and amend your personal information. 

6.2 TfNSW shares application information with third parties, including DHS, NSW Point and the Card Issuer for the purpose of validating applications and issuing the RSTC. To understand how TfNSW may use and disclose your personal information for the purposes of the RSTC program please read the Privacy Statement. 

6.3 If you do not provide the required information or consent to the sharing of your data with these third parties, TfNSW is unable to process the application and issue a RSTC. 

7. Delivery of the RSTC 

7.1 Delivery of the RTSCs will commence from January of each year the scheme operates.

7.2 Applicants must nominate a valid delivery address for the RSTC. 

7.3 Once ordered, the RSTC may take up to 10 business days to be delivered via post.

7.4 The RSTC is sent by the Card Issuer. RSTCs that are not successfully delivered will be returned to the Card Issuer. It is the responsibility of the applicant to contact the RSTC card services on 1800 569 070 if you do not receive the card within 10 business days.

7.5 All enquiries regarding RSTC delivery following confirmation of the successful application are to be directed to the Card Issuer. 

7.6 The Card Issuer will separately issue a PIN for each RSTC to the same delivery address. The PIN will typically be delivered a few days after the RSTC.

8. Authorised transport expenses 

8.1 The RSTC can only be used to purchase the following travel-related goods and services up to AUD$250: 

a) taxi services;
b) fuel;
c) pre-booked NSW TrainLink train and coach services.
(“Authorised Transport Expenses”)  

8.2 The RSTC can only be used at retailers and service providers using travel-related merchant category codes for Authorised Transport Expenses. It is the responsibility of the RSTC holder to confirm that the RSTC can be used at the retailer or service provider prior to use. 

8.3 It is the responsibility of the RSTC holder to have an alternative method of payment, in the event the merchant does not accept the card. TfNSW, the State of NSW and the Card Issuer are not liable for any payment owed where the RSTC is unable to be used. 

9. Use of the RSTC 

9.1 You must activate the RSTC following the instructions provided in the letter accompanying the card in order to use the RSTC.

9.2 Activate and use the RSTC as soon as you receive the card. If you do not activate your card within 45 days of the date shown on your card letter, your card may be cancelled.

9.3 Once activated, the RSTC will have AUD$250 credit available to the Eligible Person to use for Authorised Transport Expenses. Clauses 10 to 12 set out scenarios where an Eligible Person may not be able to use the full value of the card. 

9.4 By using the RSTC, you acknowledge and agree: 

a) the RSTC is not transferable and can only be used by the Eligible Person named on the card;
b) the RSTC can only be used for Authorised Transport Expenses;
c) the RSTC cannot be used to withdraw or obtain cash at bank branches, ATMs, EFTPOS or other electronic means;
d) the RSTC cannot be used at ATMs or bank branches for balance checks;
e) the RSTC is not exchangeable or redeemable for cash; 
f) the RSTC must not be sold, exchanged or transferred to another person;
g) each RSTC is pre-loaded with AUD$250 and cannot be reloaded or topped up;
h) the RSTC can be used multiple times for Authorised Transport Expenses while the Account Balance is above $0; 
i) where items purchased using the RSTC are presented for a refund, the refund value will be returned to the RSTC and no cash refunds will be provided. The balance of the RSTC after any refund cannot exceed AUD$250.
j) where the total cost of the Authorised Transport Expense is less than the Available Balance, the cost will be reduced from the Account Balance and the remaining funds remain available for further Authorised Transport Expenses;  
k) where the total cost of the Authorised Transport Expense is greater than the Available Balance, you must pay the outstanding balance. TfNSW is not responsible or required to pay the difference between the Account Balance and the cost to you. In the event a merchant is not able to split payment for the purchase, you will be required to pay the full transaction balance using a payment method other than your RSTC; 
l) misuse of the RSTC may lead to its cancellation by TfNSW and affect your eligibility for any future RSTC application. 

9.5. Use of the RSTC is also governed by the Card Issuer’s Terms and Conditions which are set out in the Product Disclosure Statement.

10. Expiry 

10.1 Your RSTC will expire on the last day of the month indicated on the front of your card. Upon expiry, any funds remaining on the RSTC, including any funds refunded to the RSTC (whether or not the refund is applied for or processed prior to the expiry date), will be forfeited to TfNSW and cannot be transferred to any other account, including any subsequent RSTC issued. 

11. Low balance 

11.1 If your Account Balance falls below $5, you have 30 days to use the remaining balance before your card is cancelled. Any remaining balance on the card will be forfeited to TfNSW.

11.2 RSTCs cancelled under clause 11 cannot be reinstated and the funds cannot be returned to the card holder. 

12. Breach of conditions 

12.1 TfNSW may cancel your RSTC and refuse to issue any subsequent RSTCs to you where these Terms and Conditions have not been complied with. 

12.2 RSTCs cancelled under clause 12 cannot be reinstated and any remaining funds will be returned to TfNSW. 

13. General 

13.1 Subject to clause 13.2, TfNSW reserves the right at any time to: 

a) vary these Terms and Conditions without your consent including the RSTC value, expiry periods, the eligibility criteria or the definition of Approved Transport Expenses;
b) suspend the operation of, or close, the RSTC program; 
c) reduce or extend the RSTC program.  

13.2 In the event that the RSTC program is cancelled or the expiry period is brought forward, all unused Account Balances will be forfeited to TfNSW. 

13.3 Any changes to these Terms and Conditions will be published on the SNSW website.  

13.4 The RSTC and all related documents are governed by the laws of the State of New South Wales. If any of these Terms and Conditions is held to be invalid, unenforceable or illegal for any reason, the remaining Terms and Conditions will continue in full force. 

13.5 TfNSW, SNSW and the State of NSW (the “Program Administrators”) and the Card Issuer are in no way responsible or accountable for any decisions made by the RSTC card holder or any retailer or service provider at any time, nor are any of the Program Administrators liable for any injuries, including death, that may be sustained by an Eligible Person while obtaining or using the RSTC. The Program Administrators expressly disclaim all liability, to the extent permitted by law, for any loss, damage or other consequence whatsoever whether direct or indirect, which may arise from the application for, or use of, the RSTC. 

14. Eligible LGAs

See Eligible NSW Local Government Areas for the regional seniors travel card.

Product Disclosure Statement

See the regional seniors travel card – Product Disclosure Statement or visit any Service NSW Centre and ask for a printed copy.

Privacy Statement

Transport for NSW (“TfNSW”) administer and manage the regional seniors travel card program (“the RSTC program”). Service NSW, Department of Human Services and Westpac Banking Corporation (“Westpac”), acting on behalf of TfNSW (“TfNSW's partners”), will provide customer services to you.

TfNSW and Service NSW are committed to protecting the privacy of your personal information in accordance with the New South Wales Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998. The Department of Human Services and Westpac comply with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth). 

By making an application for a regional seniors travel card (“Card”) you will provide personal information to TfNSW including: your name, date of birth, address and contact details, mother’s maiden name and your Age Pension or Commonwealth Seniors Health Card details. 

There is no requirement for you to provide your personal information to TfNSW as applying for the regional seniors travel card is voluntary, yet if you do not provide all personal information requested, TfNSW will not be able to process your application for the Card. 

TfNSW is collecting your personal information for the purpose of administering and managing the RSTC program. The administration of the RSTC program may include TfNSW using your personal information to:   

• assess and verify your eligibility to the RSTC program 
• issue the Card and affiliated PIN  
• handle any enquiries or complaints you may have about applications, card balances or transaction disputes 
• investigate and handle any non-compliance with the RSTC program Terms and Conditions, and 
• prepare reporting.    

To administer and manage the RSTC program, TfNSW and its partners will provide a number of services to you. In providing these services your personal information will be handled in the following ways: 

• Any information held or obtained about your eligibility for the RSTC program will be provided to Service NSW, as required, for Service NSW to perform the customer service functions of the RSTC program. 
• Your Age Pension or Commonwealth Seniors Health Card details will be provided to the Commonwealth Department of Human Services, through the Centrelink Confirmation eServices portal, to verify your eligibility for the Card. 
• Your personal information (including name, date of birth, address and contact details and mother's maiden name) will be provided to Westpac, as required for Westpac to process and issue the Card and affiliated PIN as well as handle any enquiries about card balances or disputes. In order for Westpac to provide the Card services to you, Westpac may share your personal information with companies within the Westpac group (Westpac Banking Corporation and its related bodies corporate) and with third party service providers outside of the Westpac group (some of which are located outside of Australia). 

TfNSW may disclose aggregated and de-identified information for the purposes of transport policy and planning purposes. TfNSW and its partners will not disclose your personal information except:

• as set out in this privacy notice;
• with your consent; or
• as otherwise permitted or required by law. 

If you wish to access, correct or remove the personal information collected, please contact:  

• Service NSW for information held on the SNSW account – 13 77 88; or  
• Card services if it relates to information on your card account – 1800 569 070.  

If you request that your personal information is removed, we may not be able to continue to provide the Card to you. 

For further information as to how TfNSW, Service NSW and the Department of Human Services will handle your personal information, see TfNSW’s Privacy Management Plan or contact us at privacy@transport.nsw.gov.au.  

For further information as to how Westpac will handle your personal information, including how you may:

• access and correct your personal information held by Westpac; and
• make a complaint about a breach of the Australian Privacy Principles,

please see Westpac's Privacy Policy or contact Westpac by:

• calling 1300 130 467 – 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week from anywhere in Australia
• visiting any of our branches in person
• visiting westpac.com.au. 

Disclaimer

The regional seniors travel card is provided by Westpac Banking Corporation ABN 33 007 457 141 AFSL 233714. Conditions apply. For further information, please read the Product Disclosure Statement and Terms and Conditions. The information on this website does not take your personal objectives, circumstances or needs into account. Consider its appropriateness to these factors before acting on it. This information is current as at January 2020.