Sydneysiders are to enjoy 12 free days of travel in April to make up for the sudden shutdown of the city’s rail network last month.
The move follows calls from the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) NSW, to provide free travel for commuters every Friday until June as compensation for the 24-hour shutdown on 21 February.
Minister for Transport, David Elliott said the 12 consecutive days of free travel was “not just a union versus Transport for NSW initiative”.
“The shutdown of the network last month was something that needed to be compensated,” Mr Elliott said.
“To commuters affected by recent rail disruptions, I want to say a heartfelt thank you for your patience,” he said.
“I hope the Fare-Free 12 Days of Easter is a way for you to enjoy quality time with family and friends during the school holidays, while at the same time helping to revitalise our city centres and local communities.”
Mr Elliott said the free public transport would run from 4 am on Thursday 14 April until 3.59 am on Tuesday 26 April and would apply to all modes of public transport.
The free travel won’t apply to private ferries, the airport line and Point to Point bus service.
