Bass Strait Passenger Vehicle Equalisation Scheme

If you are the driver of an eligible passenger vehicle crossing Bass Strait by ferry, the Bass Strait Passenger Vehicle Equalisation Scheme gives you a direct cost reduction in your vehicle fare.

The Scheme includes ferry travel between:

• Devonport and Melbourne
• Flinders Island and Port Welshpool (VIC)
• King Island and Melbourne

Special conditions apply to King Island travel. For more information, refer to rebates for travel between King Island and mainland Australia.

Eligibility

You are eligible for the fare reduction if you are the driver of an eligible passenger vehicle travelling across Bass Strait by ferry.

Eligible passenger vehicles

An eligible passenger vehicle is a passenger vehicle, which is accompanied by the vehicle driver on a Bass Strait Service and includes:

• a motor car, van, utility, 4-wheel-drive or station wagon
• a motorhome or campervan
• a minibus, coach or bus (which seats 8+ adult persons)
• a motorcycle
• a bicycle

Caravans (including camper-trailers), towed by eligible passenger vehicles, are also eligible for the rebate.

How to get the rebate

You do not have to apply. You get the rebate as a direct reduction in the fare charged by the ferry operator.

You may also claim a rebate for Bass Strait travel, in exceptional circumstances, when you are not able to travel with your vehicle on a standard ferry service. For more information, refer to claiming a Bass Strait Passenger Vehicle Equalisation Scheme Rebate in exceptional circumstances.

[ return to top ]

Amount of rebate

Vehicle rebates for all ferry routes are tabled below. These amounts apply from 1 July 2009.

Type of vehicle	One way trip	Round trip
Motor car	up to $183	up to $366
Bus	up to $183	up to $366
Motorhome or campervan	up to $366	up to $732
Eligible passenger vehicle towing a caravan	up to $366	up to $732
Motorcycle	up to $91	up to $182
Bicycle	up to $25	up to $50

Note:

• The maximum amount of rebate payable cannot exceed the vehicle fare charged by the ferry operator.
• From 1 July 2009 the Government has increased the majority of the passenger vehicle rebates. These rebates will be reviewed annually.

Find out more

• refer to the Bass Strait Passenger Vehicle Equalisation Scheme brochure
• refer to the Bass Strait Passenger Vehicle Equalisation Scheme information on the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government website
• phone Tasmanian Assistance Services, Centrelink on (03) 6222 2580 or FreeCALL™ 1800 993 347
• send a message to Tasmanian Assistance Services at tfes.support@centrelink.gov.au.

[ return to top ]