Commuters across Greater Sydney will be slugged with another cost-of-living increase next month, as public transportation fares are set to increase 3.7 per cent on average.
The NSW government says the increased fares on the Opal network, which covers Sydney’s bus, rail and tram lines, would add about $1 to the average commuter’s weekly transportation costs.
It also touts the increase as below inflation, which was running at 7 per cent in Sydney for the June quarter.
“We know people are having trouble paying the bills,” NSW Transport Minister Jo Haylen said.
“That’s why we’ve made sure that the average fare increase will see an average difference of just $1 to a passenger’s weekly fare.”
Peak fares from Penrith to the CBD will go up from $7.24 to $7.65, while Parramatta to Central will go from $5.42 to $5.72.
But while general fares are rising, the government has lowered Friday fares, extending the weekend rates into the last weekday.
The new rates for Friday means commuters will enjoy a 30 per cent discount on their fare compared to the old calculation.
Passengers will be able to travel all day for no more than $8.90 and child and youth concession passengers will enjoy a capped rate of $4.45.
“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,” Ms Haylen said.
Opal’s weekly travel cap of $50 for adults and $25 for concession card holders and children remains in place and seniors and pensioners will continue to receive a daily $2.50 cap.
The Station Access Fee set by the Airport Link Company for using the Domestic and International Airport train stations will increase by $0.94 for adults and $0.84 for concession holders. Child/Youth, Concessions and Senior fares.
Half-price trips after eight journeys will also stop in October.
The new Opal rates kick off on October 16.
