Transport New South Wales is ramping up fare inspections on buses in a major push to crack down on fare evaders, who cost the state $157 million each year. Sydneysiders can expect to have their travel cards checked more often as officials confirm a significant change in enforcement.
Two-Year Trial Targets High Evasion Areas
The government has commenced the hiring of 40 Opal ticket officers as part of a two-year trial, focusing on bus routes with high patronage or high rates of fare evasion. Some officers have already been deployed, with all expected to be active across the bus network by the end of the month.
Transport NSW confirmed to SkyNews.com.au that the move follows a recommendation from the Bus Industry Taskforce report. Officers are directed using a high-visibility, risk-based approach to stations and bus lines where evasion is most prevalent.
Social Media Buzz
The increase in ticket inspectors has not gone unnoticed. Sydneysiders have taken to social media to share their experiences, with some claiming to have been checked five times in one week. Others reported seeing inspectors during unusual hours, such as late on a Saturday evening.
One TikTok user, @k.ad98_, posted a video showing inspectors at 8:35pm on a Saturday, noting they had been checked earlier that evening on a different train. The user was not fined as they had tapped on.
Revenue Reinvestment
A Transport NSW representative said: “Payment of fares ensures the network can continue to operate sustainably and goes towards providing extra services and new infrastructure while balancing the needs of the NSW taxpayer. Fare revenue is reinvested back into delivering safe, reliable and equitable services for the community, contributing to the costs of fuel, electricity, maintenance and staffing.”
Sydney has the highest rate of fare evasion in Australia, almost double that of Brisbane or Melbourne. The government thanked “the majority of passengers who do the right thing and pay their fares.”
