Newcastle’s fare-free bus zone will end in February, but reduced Opal fees will apply to light rail passengers transferring to or from another service, as part of the city’s integrating ticketing system.
The State Government says customers connecting between buses, trains or ferry and the Newcastle Light Rail will benefit from the Opal transfer discount.
Fares for the Newcastle Light Rail will cost 20 cents for adults or 10 cents for children, concession card holders, seniors or pensioners, if they are connecting from the train, bus or the Stockton ferry.
Meanwhile adults tapping onto Light Rail will pay a fare of $2.20. The fare for children, concession holders, seniors and pensioners will be $1.10.
“Opal is the best way to use the Newcastle Transport Network, providing public transport users a range of benefits that you don’t get with single trip, cash tickets,” a Transport for NSW spokesperson said.
The opening of Newcastle Light Rail will also see the end of the Newcastle Fare Free Bus Zone, which was established in 2006 as a way to attract more people to use public transport and to stimulate activity in the city centre. It is currently the NSW Government’s only fare free public transport service.
The Transport for NSW spokesperson said conditions in Newcastle had changed significantly in the 12 years since the initiative was introduced.
“The situation in Newcastle today is very different to 2006, with the CBD opened to the waterfront, billions of dollars in private investment flowing to the city on the back of the Revitalising Newcastle program, and Newcastle Transport implementing integrated public transport services.
“Removing the Newcastle Fare Free Zone ensures that fares are applied equitably, with the transport user paying for the transport service. Newcastle Transport will ensure CBD bus users are aware of the change and the need to pay fares once light rail is operating.
“Newcastle Transport will be out on the network leading up to and after light rail opening, ensuring passengers are ready to tap on and off with their Opal cards when the Fare Free Zone is removed.”
The light rail opening will also see the end of the 110 rail replacement bus services that have been running during its construction.