Apply for a vision impaired person's (VIP) travel pass

Introduction

If you're severely vision impaired, you can apply for a vision impaired person's (VIP) travel pass. The VIP pass entitles you and your attendant (if applicable) to free travel on trains, buses, most ferries, and light rail. You can also apply for a free Opal card at the same time.

Eligibility

You're eligible if you:

  • are a permanent resident of NSW
  • receive the age pension or disability support pension on the basis of blindness from Services Australia, or
  • have been medically assessed by an ophthalmologist (or optometrist in rural and regional areas) as satisfying the criteria for a VIP travel pass.

What you need

  • your personal and contact details
  • your Services Australia customer reference number (if applicable)
  • your eye specialist's assessment (if applicable)
  • digital copies of 2 identical current colour passport size photos, with your printed name and signature on the back of one of them
  • the PDF form – 'Application for a Vision Impaired Person's Travel Pass and Opal Card'.

How to apply

  1. Check the eligibility requirements.
  2. Select the 'Download PDF form' button.
  3. Print and complete the form.
  4. Have your medical specialist complete and sign the appropriate sections (if applicable).
  5. Upload your photographs.
  6. Email your application to the address on the form.

More information

  • Your VIP travel pass is free, and valid for 3 years. The Opal card is valid for 5 years.
  • The VIP pass is your proof of entitlement, so always carry it with you. The free Opal card just means that you'll be able to use it to open the ticket gates at train stations (excluding Sydney Airport) and ferry wharves.
  • If your VIP travel pass is marked 'plus attendant', you'll receive an additional Opal card for them.
  • Outside the Opal network your VIP pass also entitles you to:
    • free travel on regular local bus services 
    • concession fares on all NSW TrainLink Regional services
    • 1 return, or 2 single free trips on NSW TrainLink Regional services each calendar year.
  • Free travel isn't available on fast ferries between Manly and Circular Quay, event shuttle buses, charter bus services or Great Southern Rail services.
  • Check with your Local Transport Operators to find out if they recognise the VIP travel pass.

Documents

Links

Last updated: 7 August 2023