Bid for Netflix-style transport subscription to be rolled out in 2020: Andrew Constance
Sydneysiders could be paying a Netflix-style subscription for all access to public transport across the state as early as next year. Find out what the plan includes.
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Public transport across Sydney could soon join the Netflix-style subscription scheme, if Andrew Constance gets his way.
The Transport Minister has doubled down on his ambition to see the introduction of a monthly “all-inclusive” subscription service rolled out across NSW as early as next year.
Mr Constance revealed his plan for the future of the public transport network at an Urban Taskforce event, focused on cities built around infrastructure.
“We are starting to see different modes of payment around the world now,” Mr Constance told NewsLocal. “Subscription-style transport services are in place in London.”
Mr Constance said the future of public transport was “tech-based mobility as a service platforms”, which includes scheme allowing all-inclusive access to public transport options.
“Its an app on your smartphone which enables you to get across the city … far more effectively than you can now while avoiding disruption, congestion, looking at cost and timeliness,” he said.
“We are going to be moving that way too over the next 12 months and you’ll start to see more innovation and new products being offered to customers.”
Mr Constance said the subscription scheme would see commuters sign up for a nominal fee each month: “and all the different pricing both public and private will be built in”.
He said ridesharing, bicycles, buses and metro travel would all be included in the payment plan.
Currently, OPAL customers are capped at $50 per week for travel across the public transport networks. However, no fee has been identified for the all-inclusive service.