Article: Light rail brought on board multi-trip tickets

[ozbob]

From the Sydney Morning Herald click here!

Light rail brought on board multi-trip tickets

Light rail brought on board multi-trip tickets
Jacob Saulwick
June 14, 2011

COMMUTERS with MyMulti transport tickets will finally be able to use them on Sydney's light rail line.

The Transport Minister, Gladys Berejiklian, will announce measures today to incorporate the light rail line into the MyZone ticket structure, an election promise made by the Coalition.

From June 27, commuters who use daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly or yearly MyMulti tickets to travel on the bus, train and ferry networks will also be able to use the tickets on the light rail system.

Pensioners will be able to use their pensioner excursion tickets on the line, and Family Funday Sunday tickets will also be eligible for use on the line.

''This is great news for commuters, tourists, pensioners and families,'' Ms Berejiklian said.

''Including light rail in MyZone means a more integrated ticketing system and less hassle for commuters who want access to all modes of public transport in Sydney on one ticket.''

However, the government will not change the privately owned light rail operator's existing fare structure.

An adult return ticket between Central Station and Lilyfield will continue to cost $5.90, while a concession ticket will remain $4.40. Discounted school travel will be unavailable.

Concession fares on government-owned buses, trains and ferries are half the cost of a regular ticket.

Allowing MyMulti, pensioner excursion and Family Funday Sunday ticket holders to use them on light rail will cost the government a maximum of $2.5 million a year, Ms Berejiklian said.

The government has committed to an expansion of Sydney's light rail system in spokes around the central business district. Construction has started on a six-kilometre extension of the light rail line from Lilyfield to Dulwich Hill.

During the election campaign, the Coalition promised to build a light rail line through the CBD. The previous government had received plans for a light rail line down George Street.

The Coalition also promised feasibility studies into light rail along Anzac Parade to the University of NSW, and from Central Station to Sydney University.

''The NSW Liberals and Nationals have always been strong advocates of light rail, and today we are backing our words with action and cleaning up Labor's mess,'' Ms Berejiklian said

''Light rail will also be included in the future electronic ticketing system because light rail will only succeed in Sydney if it is part of the broader public transport network,'' she said.

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/light-rail-brought-on-board-multitrip-tickets-20110613-1g0jb.html

Good move!