Travelling on Opal networks just got more expensive
Image: AAP Image, Dan Himbrechts
by GRACE JOHNSON
As of today, Opal fares across the network will rise with an average increase of 3.7 per cent, putting additional pressure on people already struggling in the cost-of-living crisis.
In an effort to keep costs down, the annual fare adjustments, which sit within parameters set by the the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART), are less than the latest annual Sydney consumer price index movement of 7 per cent.
A person commuting from Penrith to the CBD will now have to pay $7.65 for a single trip during peak hours.
A trip from North Sydney to Chatswood, consisting of only 5 stops, will set commuters back $4.00 during peak times.
However, regular travellers will keep their weekly cap, which is $50 for adults and $25 for concession card holders and children. Seniors and pensioners are assured that they will keep their daily $2.50 cap.
Previously, after a person had completed 8 trips, the fares were reduced to half price. Transport for NSW Executive Director Customer Systems and Operations Lewis Clark said that the changes are due to “a significant drop in uptake.”
“This is because Opal data shows travel habits have shifted post-COVID and nearly 90 per cent of passengers are not unlocking this discount. We want to deliver Opal benefits that best match the way passengers are using our network,” said Mr Clark.
“Instead, we’re introducing weekend fares on Fridays. This means from next week 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. All-day Opal travel for children and concession card holders will be capped at $4.45 on Fridays.”
However, the requirements to receive a concession card still exclude large groups of people, including international students and part-time students. International students are particularly susceptible to Opal fare prices, as they are only authorised to work a maximum of 24 hours a week. Part-time students are also overwhelmingly women, carers, and people with disabilities, as explored in an earlier City Hub article.
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