Public transport review
IPART is reviewing maximum fares across all rail, bus, ferry and light rail services on which the Opal card can be used in Sydney, Newcastle, the Central Coast, Wollongong, the Blue Mountains and the Hunter.
A spokesperson said that while public transport use benefited the whole community, it also cost money to provide. It is increasingly important that fares provide the best possible value for money for both passengers and taxpayers while meeting the community’s social, economic and environmental goals.
IPART Chairman Dr Paul Paterson said fares had fallen in real terms over the last 10 years and currently paid for less than a quarter of the costs of providing public transport.
“Taxpayers are now paying more to operate public transport in NSW and with the significant investment in new services that is being made, this contribution is forecast to keep rising,” Dr Paterson said.
“We welcome input from everyone on how much of the costs should be paid through fares and how much should be funded by the rest of the community.”
IPART is seeking comment on a range of fare options.
Proposed fares will be released for public comment in November before the final determination on maximum fares is delivered to the NSW Government in February 2020.
Submissions close on June 14. For more, visit ipart.nsw.gov.au.
