NSW Opal fares to increase on trains, buses and ferries: here’s how much it will cost you extra
- Off-peak travel fares extended to all-day Fridays
- Comes as annual rise in opal price looms
- A current service will be canceled next month
An annual increase in the price of opal, delayed by three months, will be implemented on October 16.
Commuters will see a 3.7 percent price rise, compared to a 3 percent increase 12 months ago and a 1.5 percent rise in 2021.
A one-way peak-hour train journey from Penrith to the CBD will increase from $7.24 to $7.65, while a 10-minute journey from Chatswood to North Sydney will increase from $3.79 to $4.
For domestic and international travelers taking the train to the airport during the peak period, the fare increases by almost $1, from $19.53 to $20.68.
Commuters will see their weekly fares increase by an average of $1, according to NSW Transport Minister Jo Haylen.
But there is some good news to encourage commuters to work in the office on Friday.
Opal discounted rates will be extended to Friday to encourage more workers to return to the office. Pictured are commuters at Sydney Central Station
Meanwhile, the 30 percent weekend fare reduction on train, bus and light rail services will be extended to also apply on Fridays.
However, the current Opal benefit offering half-price fares on all journeys once a commuter has paid for eight journeys in a week will be abolished.
The state government has argued that almost 90 per cent of commuters are not meeting the number of trips needed as Sydneysiders are still splitting their working week between home and the office post-pandemic.
The changes come into effect on October 16.
“Every weekend will soon be a long weekend when it comes to Opal fares as we make Friday travel cheaper for everyone,” Ms Haylen said.
Annual opal price rise looms for commuters (Sydney photo) from October 16
Transport Minister Jo Haylen (pictured) announced the changes to Opal ahead of next Tuesday’s state budget.
Commuters will be able to travel all day on public transit, capped at $8.90 on Friday, including light rail travel.
