The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) is calling for community input into how public transport fares should be set until 2024.
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.
IPART Chair Dr Paul Paterson said public transport use benefits the whole community. But it also costs 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.
“Fares have fallen in real terms over the last ten years and currently pay for less than a quarter of the costs of providing public transport,” Dr Paterson said.
“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.
“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
/Public Release.
