New structure means cheaper fares
By Rhys Haynes, Transport Reporter From: The Daily Telegraph February 01, 2010
ALMOST all public transport ticket prices will be unchanged or cheaper under a new fare structure announced by the NSW government today.
Some public transport users, including infrequent ferry commuters, will pay more for tickets and some monthly rail tickets will increase by a maximum of $20.
From April 18, 2010, the new MyZone fare structure effectively cuts down the number of fare bands being used across Sydney, with commuters paying depending on the length of travel, and using one form of ticket across different modes of transport.
There are now five train fare bands instead of more than 20, as is currently the case.
And there will be two ferry fare bands and three bus fare bands instead of the current five for each.
For the first time there will be standard tickets that can be used on both private buses and State Transit Authority buses.
A new MyMulti pass allows commuters to travel on all three modes of public transport and permits unlimited travel on buses and ferries.
Almost 94 per cent of fares will be the same or cheaper, the government said.
The new fare structure was approved by budget committee last month and is scheduled to commence on 18 April 2010.
"More people are using public transport and MyZone is making it easier for us all to do so,'' said NSW Premier Kristina Keneally.
"Not only will 9 out of 10 fares be the same or cheaper, the MyMulti ticket means the most commuters will pay will be $57 per week, regardless of where or how often they travel on the network.''
For further info including new prices, go to
MyZone or call 131 500.
One of the state's peak transport bodies has welcomed the changes, saying commuters who travel longer distances will be the big winners.
"The rationalisation of the fare structure will make travelling by public transport simpler and in many cases cheaper,'' according to Tourism & Transport Forum executive director Brett Gale.
"It will improve network integration, give commuters more choice in mode of transport and improve passenger flexibility.
"Significantly, the new zonal system will give commuters from further afield cheaper fares, recognising that those who live furthest away from the Sydney CBD are often those who can least afford high public transport fares.
"People who frequently travel longer distances will be the big winners.''