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Vision Impaired Person's travel pass

Free travel applies to the card holder, guide dog and attendant

Introduction

If you're severely vision impaired, you can apply for a Vision Impaired Person's (VIP) Travel Pass. The VIP Travel Pass entitles you to free (or concession) travel on public transport in NSW. Your attendant can travel with you for free if your VIP Travel Pass is marked 'Plus Attendant'. You can apply for a free Opal card at the same time.

Eligibility

To be eligible, you must be a permanent resident of NSW and:

  • receive the Age Pension or Disability Support Pension on the basis of blindness from Services Australia, or
  • have been assessed by an ophthalmologist (or optometrist in rural and regional areas) as legally blind. The criteria requires one of the following:
    1. Visual acuity on the Snellan Scale less than 6/60 in both eyes while wearing glasses or contact lenses.
    2. The field of vision constricted to 10 degrees of arc in the better eye, irrespective of corrected visual acuity.
    3. The combination of visual defects results in the same visual impairment as that which occurs in the above two conditions.
Vision Impaired Person's travel pass
Vision Impaired Person's travel pass

Apply for a VIP travel pass and free Opal card

How to apply:

  1. Check your eligibility.
  2. Download and complete the VIP Travel Pass application form (PDF, 943.6KB) with your personal details, Services Australia customer reference number (if applicable).
  3. Have your medical specialist complete and sign the appropriate sections (if applicable).
  4. You can apply for a free travel Opal card on the same form.
  5. Include digital copies of 2 identical current colour passport size photos, with your printed name and signature on the back of one of them.
  6. Upload your application form, photos, and supporting documents online using the Concessions application form.

Download PDF form

Conditions and replacement passes

  • The Vision Impaired Person's Travel Pass is issued free of charge and is valid for five years.
  • The free travel Opal card is valid for five years or until your entitlement ceases.
  • You must carry your Vision Impaired Person's Travel Pass as proof of entitlement, or you may be fined for travelling on an invalid ticket.
  • Your attendant can travel with you for free if your VIP Travel Pass is marked "Plus Attendant".
  • If you travel with a guide dog, please refer to the travelling with an assistance animal page.
  • For a replacement Vision Impaired Person pass or a free travel Opal card, download the form (PDF, 943.6KB) and apply again. A replacement fee may apply.

If you need extra assistance to apply for a replacement Vision Impaired Person’s (VIP) Travel Pass, call 131 500.

Travel benefits and concessions

Opal audio files for the vision impaired

See also