Commuters brace for higher Opal fares with 3.7 per cent hike
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Prepare for some unfortunate news, members. Commuters in a major city are soon to face yet another increase in their living costs.
Starting next month, public transportation fares in Greater Sydney are set to go up by an average of 3.7 per cent. This means commuters will have to dig a little deeper into their pockets to cover their travel expenses.
The New South Wales (NSW) government has explained that these increased fares will apply to the Opal network, which includes bus, rail, and tram services in Sydney.
On average, this increase will add around $1 to the weekly transportation expenses of the typical commuter.
Opal card fares are set to increase by an average of 3.7 per cent after their annual review by the NSW Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal.
For example, passengers travelling from Parramatta to Central during peak hours will see their fares increase from $5.42 to $5.72. Those journeying from Penrith or Cronulla to the CBD will experience a fare increase from $7.24 to $7.65.
Similarly, passengers travelling from Chatswood to North Sydney during peak times will now pay $4, up from the previous fare of $3.79.
The station access fee for using the Domestic and International Airport train stations will also be raised to $16.68 for adults and $14.92 for child/youth, concessions, and senior fares.
Don’t worry, it's not all bad news. Transport for NSW has also announced some new benefits along with these fare increases.
For example, regular commuters can also breathe easy knowing that the weekly travel cap will remain the same at $50 for adults and $25 for concession cardholders and children.
Seniors and pensioners will also be relieved to know that their daily cap of $2.50 will remain unchanged.
However, the half-price fare benefit after eight journeys is being discontinued.
According to Lewis Clark, Transport for NSW’s Customer Systems and Operations Executive Director, ‘Opal data shows travel habits have shifted post-COVID, and nearly 90 per cent of passengers are not unlocking this discount.’
Jo Haylen, the state’s Minister for Transport, explained that cheaper fares on Fridays would be more advantageous because fewer people commute to work five days a week.
Starting on October 16th, Opal card users will enjoy a 30 per cent discount on Metro, train, bus, and light rail services every Friday.
This means that the cost of full-fare travel will be limited to $8.90 for the entire day, and child, youth, and concession fares will be capped at $4.45.
In Ms Haylen's words, ‘Every weekend will soon be a long weekend when it comes to Opal fares, as we make Friday travel cheaper for everyone, trimming the cost of visiting the city be it for work, to shop or to enjoy a day and night out on the town.’
Members, do you rely on public transport in Sydney? How will these increases impact your travel and weekly budget? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Starting next month, public transportation fares in Greater Sydney are set to go up by an average of 3.7 per cent. This means commuters will have to dig a little deeper into their pockets to cover their travel expenses.
The New South Wales (NSW) government has explained that these increased fares will apply to the Opal network, which includes bus, rail, and tram services in Sydney.
On average, this increase will add around $1 to the weekly transportation expenses of the typical commuter.
Commuters in a major city will be slugged with another cost-of-living increase next month, as public transportation fares are set to increase by 3.7 per cent on average. Credit: Pexels.
Opal card fares are set to increase by an average of 3.7 per cent after their annual review by the NSW Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal.
For example, passengers travelling from Parramatta to Central during peak hours will see their fares increase from $5.42 to $5.72. Those journeying from Penrith or Cronulla to the CBD will experience a fare increase from $7.24 to $7.65.
Similarly, passengers travelling from Chatswood to North Sydney during peak times will now pay $4, up from the previous fare of $3.79.
The station access fee for using the Domestic and International Airport train stations will also be raised to $16.68 for adults and $14.92 for child/youth, concessions, and senior fares.
Don’t worry, it's not all bad news. Transport for NSW has also announced some new benefits along with these fare increases.
For example, regular commuters can also breathe easy knowing that the weekly travel cap will remain the same at $50 for adults and $25 for concession cardholders and children.
Seniors and pensioners will also be relieved to know that their daily cap of $2.50 will remain unchanged.
However, the half-price fare benefit after eight journeys is being discontinued.
According to Lewis Clark, Transport for NSW’s Customer Systems and Operations Executive Director, ‘Opal data shows travel habits have shifted post-COVID, and nearly 90 per cent of passengers are not unlocking this discount.’
Jo Haylen, the state’s Minister for Transport, explained that cheaper fares on Fridays would be more advantageous because fewer people commute to work five days a week.
Starting on October 16th, Opal card users will enjoy a 30 per cent discount on Metro, train, bus, and light rail services every Friday.
This means that the cost of full-fare travel will be limited to $8.90 for the entire day, and child, youth, and concession fares will be capped at $4.45.
In Ms Haylen's words, ‘Every weekend will soon be a long weekend when it comes to Opal fares, as we make Friday travel cheaper for everyone, trimming the cost of visiting the city be it for work, to shop or to enjoy a day and night out on the town.’
Members, do you rely on public transport in Sydney? How will these increases impact your travel and weekly budget? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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