Transport for NSW has announced that Opal fares are to change from 6 July, including a temporary 50 per cent discount for off-peak travel to help manage social distancing measures.
Minister for Transport, Andrew Constance said customers were encouraged to take advantage of the off-peak incentive to help stagger essential travel on the public transport network as COVID-19 restrictions eased and patronage steadily increased.
“The vast majority of commuters will benefit from these changes with either cheaper travel or no change to their fares,” Mr Constance said.
“A third of commuters will save an average of $3.60 a week based on current travel patterns,” he said.
“We’ve waived the usual Consumer Price Index (CPI) increase and have rejected recommendations by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) to increase Opal fares by 20 per cent over four years.”
Mr Constance said new peak travel times would also be introduced from 6 July, with morning peak travel times for Sydney Trains, Sydney Metro, light rail and bus expanded from 7am-9am to 6:30am-10am, and afternoon peak travel times expanded from 4pm-6:30pm to 3pm-7pm.
He said peak travel times on Intercity Trains would be expanded from 6am-8am to 6am-10am.
“Travel outside these times will be eligible for the 50 per cent fare discount,” he said.
“The 50 per cent off-peak discount will remain for three months, then a permanent 30 per cent discount for off-peak travel will be introduced on bus and light rail, which is in line with current off-peak fares for train and metro.”
Mr Constance said fares for bus and light rail peak journeys between zero and three kilometres would also be increased to encourage people to walk or cycle for short distances, or travel off peak.
