Affordable long-term NSW TrainLink Discovery Passes have been quietly reinstated following a public backlash over their sudden removal, in what is being described as a win for regional communities.
Earlier this year, the NSW Government removed the popular 3-month and 6-month Discovery Pass options, leaving only the shorter 14-day and 30-day passes available. The decision, made without community consultation, was met with widespread criticism from regional travellers, students, seniors and advocacy groups.
As quietly as they disappeared, the longer-term passes have now reappeared on the NSW TrainLink booking system — with no formal announcement from the Government.
Country North MLC Aileen MacDonald, who led the fight against the removal, welcomed the reinstatement as “a real victory for the communities who spoke up”.
“Just as quietly as the Government ‘paused’ these affordable passes without consultation, they have now reinstated them because regional people would not accept being left behind,” Ms MacDonald said.
The longer-term Discovery Passes allow for unlimited travel across NSW TrainLink regional rail and coach services, and are widely used by students returning home during university breaks, older residents visiting family, and people needing to travel for medical appointments.
Ms MacDonald said the pause had caused serious disruption to those who relied on the affordable and flexible passes.
“These passes are not a luxury,” she said. “They’re essential for students travelling home from university, older residents visiting family, and regional people accessing health care and events without the cost or stress of driving long distances.”
In June, the New England Times reported on the quiet removal of the passes during a broader review of the NSW TrainLink booking system. At the time, Transport for NSW confirmed the passes had been “paused”, but did not provide a timeline or guarantee they would return.
Ms MacDonald launched a petition in the Legislative Council, led parliamentary debate, and encouraged regional residents to share their stories and advocate for the reinstatement of the passes. The response was swift and vocal, with people from across regional NSW contacting MPs, signing the petition and demanding action.
“This is a win for people power,” Ms MacDonald said. “People shared their personal stories, signed the petition, contacted MPs and refused to let this go quietly. They made sure their voices were heard and it worked.”
She said the situation highlighted a broader issue of unequal access to transport options between metropolitan and regional areas.
“This outcome shows that regional people should never have to beg for basic services that metro passengers take for granted,” she said.
“This result proves that when we stand up together for fairness and equality, we can make change. I’ll keep fighting to make sure our travel options in regional NSW stay open, affordable and equitable.”
Transport for NSW has not issued any formal statement about the reinstatement of the 3-month and 6-month Discovery Passes.
The passes are once again available for purchase through the NSW TrainLink website and booking system.
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