PrePay hits some potholes but for most it’s smooth driving

Sydney Buses have been rolling out their PrePay-only system across Sydney city for a month now, and while some are calling it an inconvenient switch, many are welcoming the transition.

The new system is being introduced in stages across the city and requires people to purchase a ticket before boarding the bus. A State Transit spokesperson said that the PrePay-only system saves an average of eight seconds per person.

There are different tickets for adults, students, pensioners and the unemployed. According to State Transit, the variety of tickets can be purchased at any one of the 145 city outlets, but Sydney Lord Mayor, Clover Moore, refutes this.

“A number of pensioners have told me that most outlets do not stock the 90 cent short trip
tickets they need if they are not buying a $2.50 Pensioner Excursion Ticket. Some newsagents and convenience shops deny that there is a 90 cent concession ticket,” Clover Moore said.

A spokesperson for Clover Moore said they were contacted by a senior who had visited all the outlets in his area, only to be told that none of them stocked the ticket he required.

In a response, State Transit said, “Sydney Buses is working hard with all its ticket agents to ensure they stock all ticket types and not just the most popular ticket available. As PrePay is rolled out more and more outlets are stocking up on single ride and pensioner tickets.”

But many regular commuters say they haven’t noticed any negative impacts. James Levack, a graphic designer from Surry Hills, uses the bus everyday and says the changes haven’t affected him.

“It’s meant to speed up the bus system, and I think that’s generally a good thing. Buses are unreliable, so I think this is a step in the right direction. I can imagine it would be a problem for people that aren’t aware,” he said.

21-year-old university student Daniel Lim says that although he hasn’t been inconvenienced it could be difficult for people who aren’t regular bus users.

“I usually buy a [TravelTen] ticket, so personally, I think it’s a good thing. There are a lot of outlets and it makes sense. I think for tourists there should be an outlet and more information. I can see how this could cause tension between regular and occasional users,” he said.

Mr Lim suggested that the government should introduce a uniform ticketing system: “Rather than have a whole separate card for each person, they should introduce a recharge card; that would make more sense.”

Clover Moore agrees: “The NSW public transport ticket system is complex and confusing when it should be simple. The introduction of Prepay services is an opportunity to reduce the number of tickets and make public transport faster and easier for passengers. The Government’s long-delayed T-card system is supposed to integrate ticketing for all transport across Sydney, improve travel times, accessibility and affordability, but appears to still be years away,” she said.

Castlereagh Street, Pitt Street and the Circular Quay area will be PrePay-only by 11 May, with Eddy Avenue and the Elizabeth Street corridor to be converted by June.

by Jessica Tapp