The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal’s average annual increase of Opal fares have been rejected, and the fare increase will only be adjusted to CPI.
According to the NSW Government, Opal fares will only be subject to an increase of 2.4 per cent from 3 July, instead of the Tribunal’s average annual increase of 4.2 per cent.
Also, CPI adjustments will change daily and weekly caps, but Gold Opal fare customer’s unlimited $2.50 all day travel will remain.
Further, the $2.00 ‘transfer discount’ for adult Opal card users granted every time they change mode on a journey within 60 minutes will remain. Also, the $1.00 “transfer discount” for Child/Youth and Concession Opal card users will be unchanged.
“We’ve always put commuters first. We’ve had a fare freeze in place since last year and now customers can be guaranteed increases will mirror inflation while ensuring we can continue to provide more services,” Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance said.
Mr Constance said, as an example, a customer travelling from Penrith to Town Hall via train during peak hours would pay $6.61 instead of the current price of $6.46 when the CPI adjustments apply.
He added that a customer travelling from Blacktown to Baulkham Hills via bus would pay $4.61 after the CPI adjustment instead of the current price of $4.50.
“The impact on an average customer is roughly 50 cents a week, and means taking the train, bus, ferry or light rail is still a much cheaper option than driving,” Mr Constance said.