TAP INTO 12 FARE FREE DAYS OVER EASTER

TAP INTO 12 FARE FREE DAYS OVER EASTER

 Commuters are reminded they can travel for free on all modes of public transport across Greater Sydney for 12 days over the Easter holidays starting from this Thursday.

Member for Manly James Griffin MP said millions of free trips will be taken across the Opal network but commuters need to remember to tap on and off.

“The fare free period is designed to boost business and get the community moving, so head out to the Easter Show, catch a game of footy, commemorate Anzac Day or enjoy dinner with family and friends, with the cost of public transport on us,” Mr Griffin said.  

“It’s been a challenging time for many with floods, industrial action, and COVID-19 and this initiative will deliver some hip pocket relief and encourage people to enjoy everything Greater Sydney has to offer.”

To help ensure the transport network runs effectively commuters are reminded to be patient and to tap on and off with either an Opal card with a positive balance, or a contactless credit or debit card.

“The Opal system will still operate as it helps Transport for NSW and other operators plan services and monitor passenger numbers, but commuters will not be charged and station staff will be on hand to help if they encounter any problems,” Mr Griffin said.

To access free fares commuters simply tap on and tap off with a valid Opal card or contactless credit or debit card (American Express, Mastercard or Visa card).

For those travelling with school children, a reminder they should use a valid Child/Youth Opal card as School Opal cards do not work during school holidays.

What commuters need to know to enjoy fare free travel:

• The 12 days of fare free travel will run from 4am on 14 April 2022, to 3:59am on 26 April 2022.
• The fare free period covers all Opal network services in Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, the Hunter and the Illawarra, and includes Metro, train, bus, light rail and ferry services.
• The fare free 12 days does not cover NSW TrainLink Regional trains and coaches including XPT and Xplorer services.
• Commuters will need to use an Opal card with a positive balance or contactless credit or debit card (Visa/ Amex/ Mastercard), to tap on and tap off each time to get free travel.
  Students should tap on and tap off with a Child/Youth Opal card with a positive balance. Remember School Opal cards do not work during school holiday periods, but staff will ensure that children and students won’t be left behind.
• When you enter or exit the train station at Sydney Domestic Airport or Sydney International Airport, commuters will need to pay the station access fee portion of the fare. The Adult station access fee for Opal card or contactless travel is $15.13 for adults, and $13.54 for Child/Youth, Concession and Senior/Pensioner fares. 
• Commuters will continue to enjoy free parking at Transport Park&Ride car parks for up to 18 hours. To access free Park&Ride car parking, commuters need to tap on and tap off as normal using an accepted Opal card or contactless credit or debit card.
• For commuters tapping on with a contactless payment card or device, a pre-authorisation $1 charge will appear as a pending transaction on your statement and will be reversed at the end of the day.
• Free fares will apply automatically. If commuters need to query a charge for Opal network travel, they should send an enquiry via info/feedback.

Green physical distancing dots continue to guide customers on the best places to sit and stand on all modes and masks must be worn at all times.

Public transport customers should visit transportnsw.info for the latest information and frequently asked questions of the fare free period.

Road users can download the Live Traffic NSW App, visit livetraffic.com or call 132 701 for the latest traffic updates.