PUBLIC transport fare caps in the Hunter are open for public comment as the state's regulator weighs up how much the longest commutes may cost for the next four years.
The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) is seeking feedback as it weighs up the maximum Opal fares until 2028, including a 7 per cent hike on Stockton ferry trips.
Tribunal chair Carmel Donnelly said the review would cover train, bus, ferry, light rail, metro and on-demand services across the Hunter, Central Coast, Sydney, Illawarra and Blue Mountains areas.
"The maximum fare protects consumers from excessive charging, but the price passengers actually pay is set by the NSW Government and all current ticket prices are set below the current maximum fare," Ms Donnelly said.
"In NSW, taxpayers, not passengers, fund the majority of the cost of providing public transport because it provides broad benefits to the whole community, including reducing congestion on our roads, supporting economic activity, education, social connectivity and environmental advantages.
"It is important to balance the need for affordable public transport fares, which many people rely on, with the rising cost of providing safe and efficient services."
The regulator proposes an average 2 per cent increase above inflation to maximum fares.
Most bus and light rail trips would stay the same, with a 1.6 per cent increase planned for trips between three and eight kilometres.
Train and metro fares would rise between 0.7 and 4.1 per cent depending on distance, while the Stockton ferry is facing a 7 per cent rise.
Maximum charges on Sydney ferries would rise by between 3 and 4 per cent.
Fares could also rise more regularly under the proposal, which includes a plan for an annual rise each July based on the consumer price index (CPI).
M Donnelly said the draft determination would ensure that passengers only pay for the shortest possible distance between train stations.
That measure would end the so-called "CBD increment", which forced some passengers into a higher fare category when travelling via Sydney's City Circle stations.
A draft recommendation to Transport for NSW also seeks expanded eligibility for the concession Opal card.
"We have found that the transfer discount (for passengers who switch between modes of transport to get to their destination) has remained at $2 since it was introduced in 2016," Ms Donnelly said.
"If the package of discounts and caps were linked, the transfer discount would automatically increase as fares increase, maintaining its value for passengers who don't have a direct service to their destination."
The draft report will be published from August 16 at ipart.nsw.gov.au, with submissions open until September 16.
An online public hearing is slated for September 3 ahead of a final report to the state government due in October.
