Opal fares for NSW’s public transport network will rise by an average of 3.6 per cent from Monday – in line with inflation – while a weekly travel cap will remain unchanged.
A week after the state budget, the NSW government’s decision means adult fares for train trips will rise on July 1 by up to 49¢, 27¢ for bus and light rail journeys and 43¢ for ferry trips, depending on distances travelled and whether it is during peak or off-peak periods.
Fares for child, youth and concession-card holders will increase by up to 24¢ for train journeys, 14¢ for bus or light rail and 22¢ for ferries.
Sydney commuters face an average fare increase of 3.6 per cent from July 1.Credit: Flavio Brancaleone
The latest annual increase in Opal fares is slightly lower than the average increase of 3.7 per cent in 2023 but higher than the 3 per cent rise in 2022.
Amid concerns about cost-of-living pressures, the government has kept the weekly cap on fares at $50 for adults and $25 for child, youth and concession-card holders. The $2.50 daily travel cap for seniors and pensioners will remain unchanged.
Discounted weekend fares for trips on Fridays will remain in force, which means ticket prices for trips on the last day of the typical working week will be capped at $9.35 for adults and $4.65 for child, youth and concession-card holders.
The weekly travel caps will remain unchanged.Credit: Rhett Wyman
Transport Minister Jo Haylen said the government had tried to limit fare increases to less than a dollar a week for the vast majority of passengers, given that many people were struggling to pay bills.
“Our $50 fare cap remains in place. We’re keeping weekend fares on Fridays, too, so every weekend remains a long weekend when you travel on our transport network,” she said.