"The Premier announced on the weekend that transport will be made more affordable for thousands of country residents across our state by extending the Pensioner Excursion Ticket to bus services in regional and country areas and extending student and apprentice concessions," Mr Watkins said.
"Pensioners have made a long-term contribution to society and it’s only right we repay them with access to cheap public transport, be they in Sydney, or South West Rocks," he said.
"The Iemma Government is committed to assisting the most vulnerable members of our community wherever we can.
"It also means pensioners are more likely to take advantage of public transport and continue to make a valuable contribution to their communities.
"The timetable for introduction of the cheaper fares will be negotiated with each local bus operator, although this is expected in the coming months."
Mr Watkins said the Government would:
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Extend the Pensioner Excursion Ticket to bus services in regional centres, country towns and villages so that pensioners and seniors in these areas can enjoy access to all day travel on these services for $2.50;
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Extend the half-fare concession for all bus travel to full-time tertiary and senior secondary students, not just journeys to and from university, school and college; and
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Extend half-fare concessions to apprentices and trainees.
Mr Watkins said the PET and student concessions fares would be available on rural and regional buses for the first time, because of rural and regional bus reform, announced in April.
"The expansion of PET and concession tickets is just one benefit of rural and regional bus reform," Mr Watkins said.
