'Insane and it's inequitable': Locals fume over sudden toll hikes
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Travelling, both locally and internationally, is a fulfilling feat.
Yet, many may overlook the possible expenses of these adventures, especially when dealing with Aussie roads.
If you're planning a trip to this state soon, you may need to brace yourselves and your wallets for this sudden change.
Crossing the Sydney Harbour Bridge has already been a pricey affair.
However, it's about to become more expensive soon.
Locals have been up in arms after the news about the increase broke and labelled it as 'theft'.
What's changing with the Harbour Bridge tolls?
Starting Tuesday, 1 July, motorists will see a 3.2 per cent increase in tolls for the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Here's what that means for your wallet:
Why are locals furious?
Sydneysiders faced this news with fierce criticism.
Mosman councillor Roy Bendall did not mince his words and called the increase a form of 'theft' from his constituents on the lower north shore.
'We are being billed for our suffering,' Councillor Bendall stated.
'We paid off the Harbour Bridge in the '80s—this is insane and it's inequitable.'
For decades, Sydneysiders have grumbled that the bridge, which was supposed to be paid off long ago, continues to be a cash cow for the state.
Social media has been flooded with similar sentiments.
'They didn't pay for the Harbour Bridge for 50 years! Why should we pay for their tolls?' One frustrated local asked.
'That is robbery.'
'The toll increase that saves you money. Right,' another local quipped sarcastically.
'Like the cheapest power that costs more.'
Where is the money going?
In light of the recent announcement, NSW Transport Minister John Graham defended the increase.
Minister Graham stated that the extra revenue would help fund the state government's weekly toll cap.
The toll cap was first introduced in January 2024 and allowed drivers who spend more than $60 a week on tolls to claim excess cash back.
This toll cap should help residents in western Sydney, who often face the longest and most expensive commutes.
'That toll relief is making a big difference to people's pockets, but we need to fund it, and this money will go straight into that,' Minister Graham stated.
To add, tolls are continuing to rise under contracts signed by the previous government, and the new approach is about 'making sure that everyone's paying their share'.
However, not everyone is convinced by Minister Graham's explanation.
Councillor Bendall argued that the bridge toll hike is effectively subsidising a scheme that primarily benefits western Sydney, all while leaving north shore and city commuters footing the bill.
A brief history of the Harbour Bridge toll
The Harbour Bridge toll was initially introduced to pay off the cost of building the bridge in 1932.
The debt was finally paid off in the 1980s, yet the toll fees never disappeared.
Instead, they have become a permanent fixture, with periodic increases over the years.
In 2023, toll prices jumped by 6.8 per cent, and this was the first toll fee increase in 14 years.
Learn more about the bridge's construction process here:
Source: David Male/YouTube
The bigger picture: Are tolls fair?
The debate over tolls is not isolated to Sydney.
Drivers across Australia have shared their frustrations towards rising toll fees on main roads and tunnels.
For seniors making regular trips to visit family or attend medical appointments, these extra costs could sting wallets in the long run.
For those regularly using the Sydney Harbour Bridge, it's worth checking if you're eligible for the weekly toll cap.
You can find more information about the toll cap on the Service NSW website.
What do you think of the latest Harbour Bridge toll hike? Is it fair, or do you agree with many locals' criticisms? Let us know your thoughts about this change in the comments section below.
Yet, many may overlook the possible expenses of these adventures, especially when dealing with Aussie roads.
If you're planning a trip to this state soon, you may need to brace yourselves and your wallets for this sudden change.
Crossing the Sydney Harbour Bridge has already been a pricey affair.
However, it's about to become more expensive soon.
Locals have been up in arms after the news about the increase broke and labelled it as 'theft'.
Thousands of commuters and drivers use the Sydney Harbour Bridge daily. Image Credit: Google Maps
What's changing with the Harbour Bridge tolls?
Starting Tuesday, 1 July, motorists will see a 3.2 per cent increase in tolls for the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Here's what that means for your wallet:
- Peak times (southbound): Up to $4.41 per trip
- Off-peak day rate: $3.30
- Evening crossings: $2.76
Why are locals furious?
Sydneysiders faced this news with fierce criticism.
Mosman councillor Roy Bendall did not mince his words and called the increase a form of 'theft' from his constituents on the lower north shore.
'We are being billed for our suffering,' Councillor Bendall stated.
'We paid off the Harbour Bridge in the '80s—this is insane and it's inequitable.'
For decades, Sydneysiders have grumbled that the bridge, which was supposed to be paid off long ago, continues to be a cash cow for the state.
Social media has been flooded with similar sentiments.
'They didn't pay for the Harbour Bridge for 50 years! Why should we pay for their tolls?' One frustrated local asked.
'That is robbery.'
'The toll increase that saves you money. Right,' another local quipped sarcastically.
'Like the cheapest power that costs more.'
Where is the money going?
In light of the recent announcement, NSW Transport Minister John Graham defended the increase.
Minister Graham stated that the extra revenue would help fund the state government's weekly toll cap.
The toll cap was first introduced in January 2024 and allowed drivers who spend more than $60 a week on tolls to claim excess cash back.
This toll cap should help residents in western Sydney, who often face the longest and most expensive commutes.
'That toll relief is making a big difference to people's pockets, but we need to fund it, and this money will go straight into that,' Minister Graham stated.
To add, tolls are continuing to rise under contracts signed by the previous government, and the new approach is about 'making sure that everyone's paying their share'.
However, not everyone is convinced by Minister Graham's explanation.
Councillor Bendall argued that the bridge toll hike is effectively subsidising a scheme that primarily benefits western Sydney, all while leaving north shore and city commuters footing the bill.
A brief history of the Harbour Bridge toll
The Harbour Bridge toll was initially introduced to pay off the cost of building the bridge in 1932.
The debt was finally paid off in the 1980s, yet the toll fees never disappeared.
Instead, they have become a permanent fixture, with periodic increases over the years.
In 2023, toll prices jumped by 6.8 per cent, and this was the first toll fee increase in 14 years.
Learn more about the bridge's construction process here:
Source: David Male/YouTube
The bigger picture: Are tolls fair?
The debate over tolls is not isolated to Sydney.
Drivers across Australia have shared their frustrations towards rising toll fees on main roads and tunnels.
For seniors making regular trips to visit family or attend medical appointments, these extra costs could sting wallets in the long run.
For those regularly using the Sydney Harbour Bridge, it's worth checking if you're eligible for the weekly toll cap.
You can find more information about the toll cap on the Service NSW website.
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