from YAPRap April 2007
by Kristy Delaney
Many of you are familiar with YAPA's long campaign to get transport concessions for apprentices and trainees.
The campaign started in 1999 when a youth worker in Western Sydney phoned YAPA to let us know that apprentices were eligible for a concession only on public buses but not on private buses. Public buses (State Transit Authority) only operate in parts of Sydney and in Newcastle, while western Sydney and the rest of NSW is covered by a private bus system. This meant that the majority of young apprentices and trainees, on very low incomes, were forced to pay full fares for their bus trips.
During the past eight years YAPA has been campaigning on this issue (with your help!) by:
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collecting case studies from other young people
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conducting further statistical research
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contributing written submissions to government inquiries, such as the State Plan and Review of Transport Concessions
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giving evidence in transport inquiries
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participating in meetings with the Ministry of Transport and the Minister for Youth
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distributing press releases and participating in media interviews.
I'm pleased to inform you that the NSW Government has announced that apprentices and trainees in Sydney, Macarthur, Blue Mountains, Illawarra, Central Coast, Newcastle, and the lower Hunter will now have access to transport concessions, regardless of whether they use a public bus or private bus.
What about rural apprentices & trainees?
Rural and regional bus contracts are currently being re-negotiated - it is not clear when they will change, but the Ministry of Transport website says:
"Arrangements are currently under development for implementation in 2008." www.transport.nsw.gov.au/concessions/concession-changes.html 12/4/07
Where is YAPA heading on transport issues?
YAPA will keep campaigning on other transport issues for young people in NSW including:
- Community transport schemes for young people in rural areas
- Transport concessions for young people on junior wages and all job seekers
- Improving the affordability and accessibility of licenses for young drivers
Sincere thanks to everyone who has supported this campaign over the years, and thumbs up to the NSW Government for taking action on this issue.
Please keep supporting our campaign work - together we can make a difference!
More information
Transport concessions for young people in NSW: YAPA policy position
