The future of the regional seniors travel card is in doubt after NSW Premier Chris Minns said he can’t guarantee it will return.

The program, which was introduced by the Coalition Government in 2019, provides seniors in regional, rural and remote areas of NSW with a $250 prepaid travel card.

 The card can be used to pay for pre-booked NSW regional trains and coaches, fuel or taxi services.

It’s only available to those that have reached the pension age (67), live in a regional area outside of Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong, and receive support from Services Australia or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

The program is only available for a four-year trial period which ends in 2023. As a result, the program has been suspended, and will stop accepting new applications on 7 July.

Existing cardholders won’t be affected and can continue using their cards until their expiry date.

Speaking to media in Dubbo on Monday afternoon, Premier Minns said he couldn’t guarantee that the program would be extended beyond its initial four-year trial.

"That card was only funded up until halfway through next year, in order for me to keep the program going I have to find the funds to keep it alive,” said Premier Minns.

"That's important for a few reasons, firstly, the NSW Government is on track to inherit $187 billion worth of debt in the State. It's the largest figure ever recorded by any government in the history of NSW both as an overall figure and as a percentage of gross state product.

Independent Member for Kiama Gareth Ward has urged all eligible seniors to apply for the card at the nearest Service NSW or online before it’s no longer available.

“The Regional Seniors Travel Card has been a huge help to many in our community who are struggling with cost-of-living expenses rising,” Mr Ward said.

 “Those eligible have until this Friday to put an application in. I urge all eligible seniors to get in and claim your $250 card that you can put towards petrol, taxis and public transport.”

Mr Ward has also created a petition to save the program, which can be signed at his office on Terralong St, Kiama.