Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner is making it easier for senior residents to travel around Brisbane, with those using a maroon Seniors go card getting free off-peak travel on all Brisbane buses CityCats and ferries from today.

Cr Schrinner said he was excited to see this initiative in action just a few short months after he announced it as part of his first budget in June.

“We have already had an overwhelmingly positive response to this free-transport initiative with many older residents already letting us know the positive impact it will have on their day-to-day life,” he said.

“Brisbane is the best city in the world and we’re making it even better by helping our senior residents travel around easier.

“I want to give back to the generations who have worked hard and contributed so much to help build our city and our community.

“Free travel will ease the cost of living and improve quality of life, as older residents will be able to get around easily and connect with family and friends.

“Council is committed to creating more for residents of all ages to see and do and hosts a range of events and activities, including live music, group fitness classes and technology workshops.

“Our programs for seniors are incredibly popular and in the past year we’ve had over 43,000 participants in the GOLD and GOLD’n’Kids program.

“We want to see even more seniors make the most of these great programs and free off-peak allows them to do this by making public transport an easy, convenient and viable option.”

Cr Schrinner said it was important for seniors to travel with a maroon go card and to remember to tap on and off during their trip.

“Even through it’s the State Government who set transport fares and receive the revenue, I’m providing this service to stand up for our older residents and ease their cost of living,” he said.

“Brisbane is the best city in the world and this is just one of the ways that Team Schrinner is making it even better.”

Free travel applies to Brisbane buses, CityCats and ferries from 8.30am-3.30pm and 7pm-6am Monday to Friday and also on buses all day and night on weekends.

For more information, visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au or call Council on (07) 3403 8888.