Great Southern Rail today welcomed the announcement by Prime Minister Howard that concessional travel arrangements with discount of up to 55% has been extended to The Ghan service between Alice Springs and Darwin.

This arrangement now extends the concession fare privileges previously offered on our other routes to now include all services operating by Great Southern Rail on The Ghan, Indian Pacific and The Overland.

Tony Braxton-Smith Chief Executive Officer of Great Southern Rail said, “This is an excellent initiative by Prime Minister Howard who should be congratulated as it will give a much needed tourism boost to Northern Territory and South Australia, resulting in approximately 10,000 more domestic holidaymakers each year”.

“We are delighted that the Commonwealth Government has recognized the importance of supporting seniors by offering this funding in line with the rest of the states”, he added.

The Government funding, combined with the company’s own discount, provides pensioners with a saving of up to 55% off the adult fare in Red Kangaroo Daynighter Seats and up to 32% off the adult Gold Kangaroo Service fare.

Special Veterans will now receive a reduction of up to 90%.

“Great Southern Rail is delighted to be extending pensioner and veteran fares on The Ghan between Alice Springs and Darwin. This initiative will enable the 1,000s of people who have always dreamt of travelling on The Ghan to the Northern Territory with a very affordable and comfortable journey”, he added

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Bruce Billson has welcomed the Prime Minister’s announcement of new travel concession rates for veterans on the famous Ghan railway. Mr Billson said he was delighted that concession rates would now be applied to the Alice Springs to Darwin section of the Ghan journey. Previously the concession rates were only available on the first leg from Adelaide to Alice Springs.

“The extension to travel concessions on the Ghan railway will be a welcome addition to the comprehensive concession entitlements already available for veterans through the Australian Government and my Department,” Mr Billson said.

“The new concession rates will make the Ghan a more affordable travel and holiday option for members of the veterans’ community,” Mr Billson said.

Funding of $1.5 million a year will be provided to sustain the concessions, set to benefit around 10,000 veterans and pensioners. Travel concessions by the Australian Government are available to all Seniors Health Card Holders. “The Howard Government is committed to maintaining the lifestyle and well-being of our ex-service community,” Mr Billson said.

“Our veterans are entitled to benefit from the best possible services and support on offer. These concessions will make travel on the Ghan more readily available for all Australian veterans.”