Yahoo Finance Premier sorry for increasing travel costs
Opal fares will increase from Monday, bringing in a new cost for Sydneysiders already struggling with the cost of living.
Commuters are likely to see an extra $1 tacked onto their weekly fare as charges increase by an average of 3.7 per cent across the board.
NSW Premier Chris Minns acknowledged the “regrettable” impact the fare hike would have on households struggling with the cost of living.
“I sincerely apologise for it but I want to promise commuters that every dollar that’s collected is going straight back into the maintenance of public transport so they can get to and from work on time,” he said.
A person travelling from Penrith to Town Hall will now have to fork out $7.65 for the journey if they’re on a train in peak periods.
A peak period bus trip from Glebe to Redfern will set commuters back $3.20.
Those travelling to the airport will also have to fork out more: $16.68 for an adult and $14.92 for children and concession card holders.
The NSW government chose to not lift prices by the full 7 per cent increase in inflation and has passed on a series of travel rewards and caps in the hope of keeping costs low.
Weekly travel caps will remain at $50 for adults and $25 for children and concession card holders.
Seniors will also keep their daily travel cap of $2.50.
A recent ticketing shake-up also culled half-priced fares for commuters who completed eight trips.
Instead, Fridays are now included in the weekend fare system, meaning there’s a 30 per cent discount on public transport and an all-day cap of $8.90 for adults and $4.45 for children.
“Due to a significant drop in uptake, the half-price fare after eight journeys benefit will be retired,” Transport NSW executive director customer systems and operations Lewis Clark said in a statement.
“Opal data shows travel habits have shifted … nearly 90 per cent of passengers are not unlocking this discount.”
