Almost two weeks have past since the State Government announced a new fare structure across NSW, and it remains to be seen whether commuters will be better or worse off under the new scheme.
On the day of the announcement, The Daily Telegraph reported that fares would be cheaper across NSW.
The next day, The Sydney Morning Herald claimed inner-city commuters would be paying more under the new MyZone fare structure. The report found that government bus and ferry commuters in inner and middle suburbs of Sydney would face price hikes of up to $300 a year as almost 200 different types of fares are streamlined to 30.
Following these revelations, the independent pricing regulator (IPART) crticised the government for not consulting it before it released the proposed plan. IPART boss James Cox confirmed that some commuters would be paying above current ticket prices.
Shadow Minister for Transport Gladys Berejiklian said revelations IPART were not consulted shows the government acted in a dishonest and arrogant manner.
“What’s the point of having an independent body such as IPART to determine appropriate fares if the State Labor Government is not going to consult them or consider their views?” Ms Berejiklian said.
“The fact Ms Keneally did not think to consult IPART is of enormous concern, especially given IPART’s public comments regarding some of the new fares being too high.”
Minister for Transport and Roads David Campbell defended the government’s new proposal, saying reports of fare hikes were false and unfounded.
“This is a lie, it is absolute rubbish,” Mr Campbell said.
“No rail single or weekly ticket will go up from the current price when MyZone is introduced on April 18.”
by Ehssan Veiszadeh
