Neuron introducing ‘Concession Passes’

Neuron has launched discounted Concession Passes in Australia for low-income users of its e-scooters and e-bikes and is planning the same in New Zealand.

“We are working closely with each country, to tailor our list of eligible government support programmes, which may vary in different cities,” says a Neuron spokesperson, adding that the Concession Passes programme will be introduced to more cities across its operating markets, including New Zealand, in phases over coming months.

The Concession Pass is part of ‘Neuron Access’, the company’s global equity and accessibility programme, which aims to make its micromobility services accessible to underserved communities.

It offers up to 50% off weekly and monthly passes to users who are recipients of an eligible government support programme, such as pensioners.

The Concession Pass will first launch in Brisbane, Darwin, Melbourne and Perth but will soon be available to more cities across Australia in 2022, the company says.

“In Australia, almost nine out of 10 riders believe e-scooters have made a positive impact on the community, 45% of all e-scooter trips have replaced a car journey, with 34% taken as part of their daily commute, followed by travelling to appointments (20%) and running errands (19%).”

Similar to low-cost transit passes offered by public transport services across Australia, Neuron’s Concession Pass makes budgeting for transportation expenses easier, allowing users to ride more at substantial cost savings and lower upfront fees.

Concession Pass holders also benefit from unlimited rides for 90 minutes a day with no additional unlocking fees, resulting in daily fares as low as A$1.65 when calculated over the duration of their pass. In comparison, a single trip costs A$1 to unlock the vehicle plus 45c per minute thereafter.

 To qualify, an individual is required to provide the relevant concession proofs from an eligible government support programme, which riders can refer to on the Neuron app.

The discount is compatible with most public benefit programmes including the Health Care Card, Pensioner Concession Card, Companion Card, and Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, among others.

The eligibility status of Concession Pass holders is valid for a year and can be renewed after.

About 34% of Australian respondents to a Neuron e-scooter survey use them in their commute to work, followed by travelling to appointments (20%) and running errands (19%).

Since August 2020, almost half of all trips (45%) in Australia replaced a car journey, eliminating an estimated 1000 tonnes of CO2 emissions.

By making it even more affordable to hop on a Neuron e-scooter or e-bike for their daily commute, barriers to mobility options for low-income users will be significantly reduced, Neuron says.

“Our hope is that this initiative will have a meaningful impact for low-income users by expanding their mobility options,” says Neuron Mobility ANZ head Richard Hannah.

“We look forward to seeing the take up in more cities over the coming months.”