24-hour transport welcome – now cut fares to ease cost of living pressure

Media release, 23 March 2026: The NSW Government’s commitment to expand 24-hour public transport services is an important step forward for commuters, workers and the night-time economy – now the government must deliver immediate cost of living relief by cutting transport fares too.

RTBU NSW Secretary Toby Warnes said the success of services during Mardi Gras showed what is possible when governments invest in public transport.

“Mardi Gras has once again proven that 24-hour public transport works. People want it, businesses benefit from it, and it helps keep communities moving safely at all hours.

“A global city like Sydney needs 24-hour transport, and it’s great to see the government listening to the workers and commuters and moving in that direction.

“Everyone deserves 24-hour public transport – whether you catch the heavy rail, light rail, or buses. There’s no reason why 24/7 public transport can’t be introduced across the whole of greater Sydney.”

Immediate focus needs to be on lowering fares amid fuel crisis

Mr Warnes said the focus must now turn to making public transport more affordable, as households face rising fuel costs.

“The NSW Government cannot control global fuel prices, but it can act on the pressure they are putting on families. In this environment, public transport is not just a service – it is immediate economic support.

“When fuel prices surge, public transport should become cheaper. That is how you deliver real relief.”

The RTBU is calling on the NSW Government to urgently reduce fares as part of its response to the fuel crisis.

“Cutting fares is one of the fastest ways to ease cost of living pressure. It lowers the cost of getting to work, getting to school and getting around day to day and puts money straight back into people’s pockets every single week.”

“If you want people out of their cars, you have to give them a real incentive. Cheaper public transport does exactly that.”

Mr Warnes said fare reductions must be backed by increased services to meet demand.

“More affordable public transport means more people using it. The network needs to be ready which means more services, better frequency and proper coordination across trains, buses, light rail and ferries.”

The RTBU is calling on the NSW Government to urgently:

• Reduce public transport fares
• Increase services across all modes
• Work with unions, operators and agencies on a coordinated response
  

“24-hour services are a very positive step, but if the government is serious about helping households right now, cutting fares needs to be the next move.”