Sydney commuters will have to pay increased Opal fares from today (16), Transport NSW has confirmed.
Annual fare changes will come into effect on Monday, October 16, with commuters likely to see a $1 increase on their weekly fares on average.
The increases will mark a 3.7 per cent rise in fares overall.
However, fares are set to be reduced on Fridays, with travellers to be charged 30 per cent less than on other days.
The reduction comes as NSW Transport brings an end to its frequent travel benefit scheme.
“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.”
“Instead, we’re introducing weekend fares on Fridays. From today people can travel all day on Friday for no more than $8.90 and receive a 30 per cent fare discount on metro, train, bus and light rail services.”
The Station Access Fee set by the private Airport Link Company will also increase to $16.68 for adult Opal card holders and $14.92 for child and concession card holders.
The increase in Opal charges means a trip from Parramatta to Central will cost $5.72 in peak times, increasing by 30 cents a trip.
Off-peak fares for the same journey will go up to $4 from the current $3.79.
Commuters from both Cronulla and Penrith will see trip fares jump to $7.65 from $7.24 during peak travel times to Central Station.
Peak travel times for the Sydney Metro, train, bus and light rail network are from 6.20am to 10am and 3pm to 7pm.
Intercity fleet peak times are 6am to 10am, and 3pm to 7pm.
(9 News)
