From Monday 16 October, Opal fares will go up by an average of 3.7%, which is lower than the 7% annual increase in the Sydney Consumer Price Index in June 2023. Some changes are coming to travel rewards and caps:
- Weekend fares will apply on Fridays, allowing all-day travel for no more than $8.90, with a 30% fare discount on metro, train, bus, and light rail services.
- Child/Youth and Concession passengers can travel all day on Friday for no more than $4.45.
- The weekly travel caps will remain in place: $50 for Adults, and $25 for Child/Youth and Concession card holders.
- The $2.50 unlimited daily travel for Senior/Pensioner Opal card holders will remain in place.
However, half-price trips after eight journeys will no longer be available when the fare change comes into effect. Fewer people are travelling five days a week, resulting in lower uptake of the half- price trips benefit, which has dropped from 24% pre-Covid to 14% in 2023.
Sydney Airport Station Access Fee will also increase to $16.68 for Adults and $14.92 for Child/Youth, Concessions and Senior fares. This fee is set by the Airport Link Company for using the Domestic and International Airport train stations.
Example fares from 16 October 2023
| One way journey (Adult fare) | Mode | Peak | Off-peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parramatta to Central | Train | Current price: $5.42 From 16 October: $5.72 | Current price: $3.79 From 16 October: $4.00 |
| Penrith to Town Hall | Train | Current price: $7.24 From 16 October: $7.65 | Current price: $5.06 From 16 October: $5.35 |
| Cronulla to Town Hall | Train | Current price: $7.24 From 16 October: $7.65 | Current price: $5.06 From 16 October: $5.35 |
| Chatswood to North Sydney | Train | Current price: $3.79 From 16 October: $4.00 | Current price: $2.65 From 16 October: $2.80 |
| Manly to Circular Quay | Ferry | Current price: $8.04 From 16 October: $8.49 | Current price: $8.04 From 16 October: $8.49 |
| Glebe to Redfern | Bus | Current price: $3.20 From 16 October: $3.20 | Current price: $2.24 From 16 October: $2.24 |
| Chinatown to Kensington | Light rail | Current price: $3.93 From 16 October: $4.15 | Current price: $2.75 From 16 October: $2.90 |
Source: TfNSW