Proposed changes to the Opal fee system will encourage more Western Sydney residents to drive, according to the Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC).
WSROC president and Liverpool deputy mayor Tony Hadchiti, said: “The proposed changes to the Opal system unfairly burden long distance commuters; exactly the people we want to entice away from road travel.”
The changes, which are causing concern across western and south west Sydney, have been recommended by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART).
“When the Opal card was introduced the cap on distances, and in particular, the free journey bonus was distinctly celebrated as an incentive for commuters to use public transport,” he said.
“Removing these incentives leaves little enticement for regular travellers to make the switch to public transport; in some cases it may result in a return to driving,” he said.
“For Penrith residents working full-time in the city, the weekly train fare will jump to $75.50 (up $23.82 per week)1.
“In Sydney’s south west, changes in the Opal structure will increase the cost of travelling by train from Liverpool to the city from $38.68 to $57 per week,” he said.
“While the Opal pricing system may need to be reviewed, increasing the cost of travel for regular and long-distance users seems counterproductive,” Cr Hadchiti said.
“The NSW Government should be doing everything in its power to entice long-distance commuters on to public transport,’’ he said.
“The more people who catch trains, buses and ferries, the less congestion there will be on our roads for those who need to drive,” he said.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“Reducing the number of people driving from the outer west to the CBD has significant system benefits. It not only means less traffic in the city, but also at each pinch-point along the way,” he said.[/social_quote]
“It is time for road tolls and public transport pricing to be looked at together; as a complete, integrated transport system,” Cr Hadchiti said.
“We hope the NSW Government will consider the implications for Sydney’s entire transport network when reviewing the recommendations put forward by IPART.’’
