Commuters who use public transport in NSW will be slugged with an opal fare hike from Monday in line with the most recent March Consumer Price Index (CPI).
Sydney’s oldest trains are set to receive a facelift but the cost could be almost $450 million.
Services on the iconic Tangara trains could see them operational for a further 12 years.
A further $18 million is expected to be spent on a business case for the Minns government to deliver its election promise of locally manufactured trains.
NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey spoke with media to compare the cost of acquisition with the cost of maintaining an Australian fleet in contrast to an overseas purchase.
A target has been set for the potential replacement trains to begin their operating cycle in the early 2030s.
Most commuters in the harbour city will see an average travel increase of less than $1 per week with travel caps remaining.
Adult fares on train and metro trips will increase by a maximum of 49 cents, according to Transport for NSW.
Opal fares for NSW public transport will increase by an average of 3.6 per cent from Monday, as Sydney siders cop an annual travel increase. Picture: Supplied
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And the cost for bus, light rail trips and ferry trips will jump by a maximum of 43 cents.
Costs for children, youths and concession card holders will increase by a maximum of 24 cents for trains and metro, 14 cents for bus and light rail, and 22 cents for ferry.
A station access fee for using the Domestic and International Airport train stations will increase to $17.34 for adults and $15.50 for child/youth, concessions and senior fares.
Transport for NSW Secretary Josh Murray said the price hike aligns with the most recent March 2024 Consumer Price Index (CPI) set by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal.
“Each year, fares are reviewed to ensure the network can continue to operate sustainably, keeping up with increased operating costs including fuel, electricity, maintenance, and staffing,” he said.
“Public and active transport remain some of the most affordable ways to get around. These increases will ensure Transport for NSW is able to continue to invest in delivering reliable services for passengers.”
regular public transport users will continue to benefit from lower costs due to travel caps, opal discounts and cheaper travel on Fridays. Picture: Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images
Yet regular public transport users will continue to benefit from lower costs due to travel caps, opal discounts and cheaper travel on Fridays
Mr Murray said the weekly fare cap will remain at “$50 for Adults and $25 for Child/Youth and Concession card holders” while seniors and pensioners will still be charged “no more than $2.50 per day”.
“Weekend fares on Fridays will still apply, meaning Friday fares will be capped at $9.35 for all adults and $4.65 for Child/Youth and Concession card holders for the whole day,” he said.
Short bus and light rail journey fares up to three kilometres will also remain unchanged and the transfer discount for switching between modes within 60 minutes will still apply.
Distance and travelling during off-peak periods are set to alter fares.