Perth Voice Interactive

TWO BUCKS for train station parking doesn’t sound like much but for cancer carer Ray Payne its contributing to a $700 a year hit he could do without.

The 64-year-old looks after his friend Jennifer Porter (57) recently diagnosed with kidney cancer.

Ms Porter doesn’t have a car so every week Mr Payne drives her to Maylands or Midland train station, from where they ride to the Royal Perth or Sir Charles Gairdner hospitals to see specialists. As of July, he will be pinged $2 a day to park at the stations, with no concession for seniors.

“It’s really difficult to get parked at the hospital and when you do it can cost up to $20, so we like to park at the station and take the train,” Mr Payne told the Voice. “Jennifer can’t drive and I want to support her during her treatment.

“It doesn’t sound like a lot but I also have to visit my doctor every week which could be another $7, so it all adds up.”

Mr Payne, who has suffered kidney cancer himself and survived two heart attacks, parks at Maylands station four times a week; he’s uncomfortable driving in built-up areas.

He is determined to support Ms Porter in her fight for life, and also takes her shopping and helps out.

Maylands Labor MP Lisa Baker says the decision to charge pensioners and concession card holders parking fees at Transperth car parks from July is distressing people who already find it hard to make ends meet: “The Barnett government is hitting vulnerable residents with fees where it hurts the most,” she says. “Seniors are contacting my office worried they won’t be able to afford regular trips to the doctor because of the additional costs being imposed on them by the state and federal governments. Not only are people expected to pay an extra $7 when they see a GP, they will also now have to pay even more for transport.”

by STEPHEN POLLOCK