The new My Zone fare structure announced by the NSW Government in February reduces the number of existing fare bands into a simpler system that will apply to trains, buses (including private) and ferries.
The new fare structure will apply from 18 April and a website is available to explain the changes. The Government estimates that 9 out of 10 people will be no worse or better off under the new system. Tickets such as the pensioner excursion ticket will remain in place. The NSW Government estimates that the new fare structure will cost approximately $32 million in foregone revenue but argues the new structure will be easier, fairer and greener and will encourage increased patronage of the system.
There will be: 5 rail fare bands (down from over 20); 3 bus bands; 2 ferry bands; and 3 “multi” passes allowing changes between transport modes (a daily pass which is only available across all zones as well as weekly, quarterly and annual passes for the three different zones).
While not providing true multimodal ticketing (i.e. single/return/daily tickets across all modes within particular zones) the changes are a good first step and will see fares reduce for those travelling the furthest.
While the fine details will need to be analysed it seems initially that this is a good initiative in that that it will be simpler for passengers, it brings private buses into a more uniform fare system, and does not penalise those who travel the furthest (in fact the fare structure will provide savings for those regularly travelling long distances). For those of us who have long looked forward to a true multimodal ticketing system this is clearly a step towards that and is sound foundation for future reform. For more information, go to: http://www.myzone.nsw.gov.au/