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Tolls climb: Simple way Aussie saved $321

Sydneysiders have forked out a record $835 million on tolls in six months.

A composite image of a freeze frame from a TikTok video which shows someones toll refund and cars driving on a Sydney mortorway with an e-tag sign.
An Aussie TikToker has shared the simple way their claimed back some of the money they'd spent on tolls. (Source: TikTok @adrianwidjy / Getty)

Sydney drivers have paid a staggering $835 million in tolls in the past six months, with tolling company Transurban admitting it has benefited from record traffic and rising inflation.

The company, which owns some of Sydney’s most popular toll roads, released record earnings of $1.66 billion and added it was reaping the rewards of inflation.

And to make matters worse for Aussie commuters already struggling with the rising cost of living, Transurban plans to lift tolls by another 20 per cent over the next four years.

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"$1 of toll revenue in September 2021 would illustratively grow to approximately $1.20 in June 2025 and continue compounding thereafter," the Transurban investor report said.

But one Aussie TikToker has revealed the simple way they managed to get $321.28 cash back after spending $803.22 on toll roads.

Using the Service NSW app, Aussie motorists can claim up to $750 cash back. The scheme is open until June 30, 2024.

The NSW toll-relief scheme kicked off on January 24 to offset the cost of paying to use the state’s freeways.

It’s been estimated eligible motorists will be able to claim up to 40 per cent of their costs, capped at $750.

Premier Dom Perrotett said almost 300,000 extra drivers would benefit from the scheme, and Treasurer Matt Keen said the initiative would help ease the cost of living for residents of NSW who frequently used tollways.

“The new Toll Relief Rebate Scheme will start putting money back into drivers’ bank accounts once they spend $375 a year on tolls,” Kean said.

“We’ve more than doubled the number of drivers eligible for toll relief and, for the first time, pensioners will be able to claim a rebate while still receiving free car registration.”

Aussies flooded to the comments section on TikTok to praise the scheme, and shared savings they had made themselves.

“I got back $570! Thanks for sharing I had no idea,” one user commented.

“Just saved $184 cheers brother,” another said.

However, others were disappointed they didn't qualify, despite also forking out hundreds of dollars.

“I’m not eligible spent $867 when they need is $877,” one user complained.

“I’ve spent $670, I did not qualify,” another said.

- With AAP

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