O'FARRELL WON'T RULE OUT HUGE INCREASE IN RAIL FARES - DESPITE SERVICES GETTING WORSE ON HIS WATCH

Media Release | Thursday 30 August 2012

O'FARRELL WON'T RULE OUT HUGE INCREASE IN RAIL FARES - DESPITE SERVICES GETTING WORSE ON HIS WATCH

The O'Farrell Government is refusing to rule out implementing the Schott Report's recommendation to increase train fares by more than $1,000 per year – despite the fact overcrowding and on time running is getting worse on their watch.

The Schott Report was commissioned by the O'Farrell Government, who are now considering the recommendation to increase the cost recovery of rail fares from the current 22.2 per cent to up tp 30 per cent.

Under this plan, rail commuters could be forced to pay an extra $21 per week – or extra $1,092 per year – just to get to work.

"Barry O'Farrell needs to categorically rule out any increase in rail fares for commuters," Shadow Transport Minister, Penny Sharpe said today.

"If the Premier goes ahead with the plan to increase the cost recovery on our rail system, commuters will be forced to fork out more than $1,000 extra each year for the poorer services his government is delivering."

Under the Schott Report's recommendation to increase the cost recovery on rail fares to 30 per cent:

• A weekly from Penrith, the Central Coast, Blue Mountains or Wollongong to the city would increase from $59 to $80 per week (extra $1,092 per year);
• A weekly from Blacktown, Campbelltown or Liverpool to the city would increase from $50 per week to $68 per week (extra $936 per year);
• A weekly from Granville or Parramatta to the city would increase from $39 to $53 per year (extra $728 per year); and
• A weekly from Strathfield or Chatswood to the city would increase from $33 to $45 per year (extra $624 per year).

"Commuters shouldn’t be forced to pay more for inferior rail services under the O'Farrell Government," Ms Sharpe said.

"Last December, the O'Farrell Government increased rail fares by double the rate of inflation despite the fact on time running and overcrowding was getting worse on their watch.

"The O'Farrell Government didn’t take their plan to send rail fares soaring to the election and have no mandate."