Fare free travel will apply on the Sydney Train and Metro network but not buses, trams or ferries. Photo: ANDREW KACIMAIWAI
Two days of fare-free travel on Sydney’s train and metro services has been extended to allow commuters to get home free after midnight.
An estimated 2.2 million are expected to travel for free tomorrow and Friday (July 31, and August 1) with business groups backing the move.
The free fares will apply on Sydney Trains, NSW TrainLink, Airport Link and Sydney Metro services and the 48-hour period was timed to fall outside school holidays.
The travel deal is to ease commuter and business frustrations at service disruptions caused by industrial unrest.
NSW Transport Minister John Graham says the deal is also aimed at businesses as well.
“This is … also an invitation to support businesses who had some lean days … we know businesses will appreciate a boost in trade,” he says.
Regional Transport Minister Jenny Aitchison says the special will apply to regional residents planning visits to places like Melbourne and Brisbane but only if they book in advance.
Business Sydney, the Tourism & Transport Forum and the Night Time Industries Association are all backing the move.
Business Sydney Executive Director Paul Nicolaou says it is a “terrific initiative” and a strong show of confidence in the Sydney and Parramatta CBDs.
“It’s not just a win for commuters — it’s a much-needed boost for food, hospitality and retail businesses that have faced enormous pressure over recent months,” he says.
Tourism & Transport Forum CEO Margy Osmond says that “transport and tourism are deeply intertwined, and when one slows down the other feels the impact”.
“… this fare-free initiative is more than just a gesture. It’s a smart investment into our state that supports the visitor economy.”
Night Time Industries Association CEO Mick Gibb says it is one way to “reinvigorate the night-time economy”.
- Passengers who are travelling home early on Saturday morning will not need to tap on or off.
- Anyone who accidentally taps on or off while heading home and are charged a default fare will have that fare automatically adjusted to zero over the next week.
- Opal gates and readers at enabled train and metro stations will remain open or turned off from 12:01am, Thursday, July 31, to 6am on Saturday, August 2.
- Passengers using NSW TrainLink services during this time will be refunded but must have booked a ticket to secure their seat to travel.
- Free travel will not extend to buses, ferries and light rail which will charge fares as normal.
- Opal benefits will still apply to all paid journeys where customers tap on and tap off.
