How to get free public transport in NSW over Easter

Public transport will be free on all NSW services for 12 days from Thursday. Here’s how to travel for nothing.

Holiday-makers have been urged to “get out there and enjoy” themselves by making the most of 12 days of fare free public transport across NSW.

Fast ferries have been added to the list of public transport options which will be free from Thursday, joining all trains, buses, light rail and ferry services which accept Opal cards.

The initiative – a peace offering struck between the NSW Government and the unions after February’s train shutdown – will cost between $8m and $20m, according to Transport Minister David Elliott.

Mr Elliott said on Tuesday the free travel – which will stretch across Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong and the Blue Mountains – would “give us the economic activity that we are so desperate for”.

“The appeal from the government is simple. Get out there and enjoy yourself,” Mr Elliott said.

Commuters just need to tap on their Opal card or debit and credit cards – at no cost – to access the free travel.

Ferries, trains and buses will be fare-free for 12 days. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Damian Shaw

Opal and Youth Opal cards will need a positive balance to work.

Mr Elliott said the cost of the exercise was “well worth it”, saying fortnight of free travel would help stimulate businesses across the state over the Easter, ANZAC and school holidays.

The Manly Fast Ferry and the Pyrmont to King Street electric ferry will be free while additional Freshwater Services will run over the 12 days.

The free travel came out of negotiations with the Rail, Tram and Bus Union, who demanded fare free travel as an apology to commuters left stranded when the state government shut down Sydney’s rail network in February amid industrial action.

The initiative will run until April 26.

Originally published as How to get free public transport in NSW over Easter