Opal Park and Ride carparks to double

The NSW government is doubling the amount of Opal Park and Ride carparks across Sydney to boost parking spaces for commuters and crack down on those abusing the system.

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The NSW government is doubling the amount of Opal Park and Ride carparks across Sydney to boost parking spaces for commuters and crack down on those abusing the system.

Planning work to convert 10 carparks into Opal Park and Ride facilities will begin immediately, which will allow commuters travelling with an Opal card to park for up to 18 hours for free.

Commuters travelling with an Opal card will be able to park for up to 18 hours for free. Picture: Christian Gilles

Commuters need to scan their Opal card when entering the carpark, take a trip on Sydney’s transport network and then scan the Opal card again when leaving the carpark with their vehicle.

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Those who park in an Opal Park and Ride carpark without taking a trip will be hit with a commercial rate of up to $30 per day during the week and $10 per day on the weekend.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the system is already in place at 10 locations and today the government will convert the carparks at Kiama, Sutherland, Penrith, Holsworthy, Gosford, Campbelltown, Hornsby, Warwick Farm, Revesby and Jannali.

Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance said there is “high demand for commuter carparks”. Picture: Monique Harmer.

“The goal is to make sure commuter carparks are available for those actually using public transport, and not those who might be shopping or working locally,” Ms Berejiklian said.

There are currently 3100 Opal Park and Ride car spaces already, and this new announcement will add an extra 7990 carparking spaces for Sydney commuters.

Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance said the program was needed because research showed almost half of people who use commuter car parks at train stations and bus terminals do not catch public transport.

Planning work to convert 10 carparks into Opal Park and Ride facilities will begin immediately. Picture: Christian Gilles

“There is a high demand for commuter carparks and Opal Park and Ride is about ensuring carparks are saved for their intended purpose — for people who are using public transport,” Mr Constance said.

“At the same time this Government is delivering more commuter carparking spaces. We have added more than 6000 spaces with another 6000 in planning or under construction.”

The new carparks will be in addition to the existing facilities at Ashfield, Brookvale, Dee Why, Gordon, Kogarah, Manly Vale, Mona Vale, Narrabeen, Seven Hills and Warriewood.