If you’ve ever hopped on a Sydney bus, train, light rail or ferry and thought, ‘What a bargain! Only $1 a ride!’—you’re not alone. But before you start planning your next cross-city adventure, there’s a catch you need to know about.
Two Irish expats recently discovered that the $1 charge displayed when you tap your debit or credit card isn’t the real fare. This is a lesson every public transport user should take to heart.
Let’s set the scene: you tap your card at the Opal reader, the screen flashes $1, and you’re on your way. Simple, right? Not quite. That $1 is just a temporary ‘pre-authorisation’—a hold, not the actual cost of your trip.
Transport New South Wales (NSW) said this is a standard practice to ensure your card is valid and streamline the payment process.
The real fare, which depends on how far you travel and when, is calculated later and charged to your account the next day, replacing the $1 hold.
So, if you think you’re only spending a dollar per trip, you might be shocked when you check your bank statement.
One of the Irish expats, Isabel, claimed she racked up $313 in a single month before realising what was happening.
While that’s unlikely if you use the same card (thanks to weekly caps), it’s a wake-up call for anyone who doesn’t keep a close eye on their spending.
How much are you really paying?
Sydney’s public transport fares aren’t one-size-fits-all. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Buses, trains, light rail, and ferries: Fares range from $2.24 to $10.33 per trip, depending on distance and whether you travel during peak or off-peak times.
- Sydney Airport train line: A hefty $17.34 one way, with a $35.16 weekly cap if you’re a frequent flyer.
- Daily and weekly caps: $18.70 per day (Monday–Thursday), $9.35 per day (Friday–Sunday and public holidays), and $50 per week. These caps are set to rise slightly from July 14, so keep an eye out for the new rates.
But here’s the kicker: these caps only apply if you use the same card for every trip. Switch cards mid-week, and you could pay more than you bargained for.
Another trap for the unwary: if you forget to tap off at the end of your journey, you’ll be charged the maximum possible fare for that service.
That’s right—one missed tap could cost you dearly. It’s a common mistake, especially for visitors or those new to the system.
Pre-authorisation: Not just a Sydney thing
While Sydney and the Australian Capital Territory are the only places in Australia that apply a pre-authorisation charge for pay-as-you-go card payments, other states use travel cards like Myki (Victoria) and Opal (NSW) that don’t have this feature.
So, if you’re travelling interstate, be prepared for different systems and charges.
Many commuters, especially newcomers and tourists, are caught up in the lack of clear information.
One frustrated traveller said, ‘No one tells you it’s not $1. I thought it was $1. Why don’t they advertise it or something?’
Another admitted, ‘It’s taken me years to figure that out.’ It’s a classic case of ‘if you don’t check your bank statements, you’ll never know.’
Public transport is a fantastic way to get around our cities, but it pays to know how the system works.
Don’t let a simple misunderstanding drain your bank account. Stay informed, check your statements, and make the most of those daily and weekly caps.
Have you ever been caught out by a sneaky transport charge? Or do you have a tip for fellow commuters? Share your experiences and advice in the comments below—let’s help each other travel smarter!
Also read: Café’s 30 per cent extra charge leaves customer stunned
