The rising cost of living is already a struggle for many Sydneysiders. Still, from July 1, public transport users are set to face another financial hit following the announcement on Wednesday, June 26. Fares across the city’s PT network will increase, but there are some silver linings for regular commuters.
What’s Changing?
Opal prices will, on average, increase by 3.6 percent, in line with the annual Consumer Price Index. However, the weekly travel cap price of $50 for adults and $25 for children and youth concession card holders will remain the same. This means that regular commuters will be less affected by the fare hike.
- Travelling by train or on the Sydney metro network will increase by a maximum of 49 cents.
- Ferry journeys will go up by a maximum of 43 cents.
- Bus and rail journeys will increase by a maximum of 27 cents.
Comparable increases will also affect child and youth concession card holders:
- Train and metro fares will increase by a maximum of 24 cents.
- Ferry journeys will rise by 22 cents.
- Bus and light rail journeys will see an increase of 14 cents at most.
Travellers using public transport to reach Sydney Airport will also pay more. The Station Access Fee, set by the Airport Link Company, will rise to $17.34 for adults and $15.50 for children disembarking at either the Domestic or International terminals.
The Bright Side
While any price increase is cause for concern, the added burden on public transport users should be relatively negligible. Most commuters using Opal discounts and caps will experience a weekly increase of less than $1. Regular public transport users will continue to benefit from unchanged weekly travel caps, reduced fares on Fridays, and transfer discounts. Fares for short journeys on buses and trains (up to three kilometers) will also remain unchanged.
“Public and active transport remain some of the most affordable ways to get around,” said Transport for New South Wales Secretary Josh Murray. “These increases will ensure Transport for NSW can continue to invest in delivering reliable services for passengers.”
However, as small as the public transport price increases are, there are already worrying signs across Sydney that consumers are buckling under financial pressures. An unusually high number of hospitality venues have closed in the Harbour City in recent months. At the same time, Darlinghurst Theatre Company has been forced to announce voluntary administration, and the iconic Luna Park has been put up for sale, revealing similar financial challenges impacting the entertainment sector.
