LABOR candidate for Kiama Glenn Kolomeitz has accused Kiama MP Gareth Ward and the NSW government of selling out the community with commuters having to pay more for their train fares from September 1.
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Mr Kolomeitz said monthly, quarterly and yearly tickets would be phased out, meaning local commuters, who relied on the discounts these tickets provide would be worse off.
“At the moment, monthly, quarterly, and yearly ticket holders receive a 30 per cent discount on their ticket,” Mr Kolomeitz said.
“They will be worse off under the Opal Card by hundreds of dollars.”
He said someone travelling from Kiama to the city with a yearly pass will be $440 a year worse off under Opal.
A yearly pass currently costs $2440, whereas it will cost $2880 under Opal – an 18 per cent increase.
“I understand that the Opal Card may work for some travellers but NSW commuters should have a choice, and be able to keep their periodic tickets if that works best and is cheaper for them,” he said.