Public Transport in Sydney - Ticketing and Fares

Ticketing and Fares

In April 2010 the NSW Government introduced MyZone, a standardised fare structure, to simplify the previously complex fares. Government-run bus, train and ferry operators share an inter-operator Automated Fare Collection System, based on magnetic stripe technology. Since the failure of the Tcard project, the Government has recommenced the process of introducing smart card integrated ticketing to Sydney's public transport network.

Across much of the network, fares are controlled by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal of New South Wales. Operators must demonstrate value to passengers before IPART will allow fare increases above the level of inflation. In practice, this has kept fares artificially low, and, since the government does not provide enough extra funding, depriving the network of the investment required to improve services. The perceived need for higher fares was a key theme in the 2003 Ministerial inquiry into sustainable public transport in New South Wales.

As of January 2009, Sydney public transport prices were slightly higher than in other mainland cities. Prices quoted are for single full-fare prices and do not include discounts available for electronic tickets, such as myki in Melbourne or go card in Brisbane.