Five day a week train commuters travelling from Campbelltown to Central face an increase of 38 per cent over the next two years unless the Baird Government rejects recommended hikes.
Campbelltown MP Greg Warren says the proposed fare increases are harsh and will hit regular train commuters the hardest.
Under this proposal fares will increase by an average of 4.2 per cent a year, which is more than triple the current rate of inflation.
Annual fares are set to jump by up to $1,000 a year by July 1, 2018, if the Baird Government accepts the recommendations.
Commuters travelling from Campbelltown to Liverpool also face massive increases of 34 per cent, or $600 a year in 2018.
Free Opal card travel after eight trips will be scrapped and the weekly travel cap of $60 will increase to $64 on July 1, before jumping to $72 by 2018.
The $2.50 Gold Opal ticket for seniors will go up to $3.60 in July and then increase to $4 by 2018.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“It’s cruel and unfair that commuters travelling from Campbelltown are set to be punished by the government for simply catching a train to and from work,’’ says Mr Warren.[/social_quote]
“Commuters in Macarthur shouldn’t be forced off overpriced trains onto overcrowded roads.
“Why does this Government insist on slugging pensioners, who often solely rely on public transport?’’
Commuters were outraged at the proposed new fare structure released by the Government late last year. Despite the huge volume of submissions to IPART slamming the changes, the revised report still leaves regular public transport passengers unfairly out of pocket.
Commuters from outer suburbs who take advantage of the daily cap will see their maximum single journey fare increase from $15 to $20 by July 1, 2018.
