The NSW Rail,Tram and Bus Unionlast week threatened to take new industrial action every Friday until June unless the government made travel free for commuters as an apology for last month’s 24-hour shutdown.
Transport Minister David Elliott reached an agreement with the union on Thursday to forego that action,and confirmed on Sunday that Greater Sydney’s entire transport network would be free between April 14 and 26.
“To commuters affected by recent rail disruptions,I want to say a heartfelt thank you for your patience,” Mr Elliott said.
“I hope the fare-free 12 days of Easter is a way for you to enjoy quality time with family and friends during the school holidays,while at the same time helping to revitalise our city centres and local communities.”
Mr Elliott,who is also the NSW Veterans Affairs Minister,has asked government colleagues to consider making two-up legal for three days over the Anzac Day weekend,rather than the usual 24 hours.
The fare-free days cover all Opal network services in Sydney,the Blue Mountains,Central Coast,the Hunter and the Illawarra. It includes train,bus,light rail and ferry services.