Navigating the public transit system in Australia can be quite complex due to the variety of bus passes available, each with its unique features and pricing structure. But don’t worry. This blog will provide a comprehensive guide on saving money while using public transport across various states in Australia.
Sydney Opal Card
Applicable Areas
Sydney, Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Hunter, Illawarra, and Southern Highlands (New South Wales) of Australia. In addition, the Opal Card is the most frequently used transit card in Sydney. It can be used on buses, trains, subways, trams, and ferries.
Billing Method
The card operates on a distance-based system. You tap on when you board and tap off when you disembark. Moreover, if you forget to tap off, you’ll be charged for the maximum travel distance for that trip.
Types of Sydney Opal Cards
- Black Card: This is the Adult card typically used by individuals aged 16 and above. The daily cap is AU$16.1, the Sunday cap is AU$2.8, and the weekly cap is AU$50 (these caps exclude additional charges for travel near Sydney Airport).
- Green Card: This is the Youth card, suitable for individuals aged 4-15 or full-time NSW / ACT school students aged 16 or older. They enjoy half-price fares compared to the Black Card.
- Yellow Card: This card is for eligible seniors, pensioners, war widows, and asylum seekers, with a daily cap of AU$2.50.
- Grey Card: This is the Concession card for tertiary students, TAFE students, apprentices, or job seekers, offering half-price fares compared to the Black Card.
- Blue Card: Known as the School card, it provides free travel between school and home.
Sydney Opal Card Money-Saving Tips
- Off-Peak Travel Discounts: You can enjoy a 30% discount if you travel outside peak hours. Peak hours are Mon – Fri 7 am – 9 am & 4 pm – 6:30 pm. All day on Saturdays and Sundays are considered off-peak, with a Sunday cap of AU$2.8.
- Weekly Travel Reward: After completing eight paid journeys a week, all additional weekly trips are free.
- Daily Travel Cap: Maximum daily charges are AU$ 15 for adults, AU$ 7.50 for children, and AU$ 2.50 for seniors and pensioners.
- 60-Minute Transfer: If you interrupt your journey and resume it within 60 minutes, you’ll only be charged once.
- Track your card: By logging into the Opal App, you can track your card swipes, expenses, and savings. The app makes it easy to top up or transfer money.
Melbourne Myki Card
Applicable Area
Melbourne (Victoria). Myki, often called Melbourne’s universal card, can be utilized on trains, buses, and more. The card comes with a fee of AU$ 6.
Billing Method
Myki has a 2-hour ticket for all zones at AU$ 3.76 per person, an all-zone day ticket for AU$ 7.52 per person, and an all-zone weekend day ticket for AU$ 6 per person (the difference between zones is usually no more than AU$ 1).
Melbourne Myki Card Top-Up
- Myki Money: This works like a ‘pay-as-you-go’ system. Moreover, each zone has a different price. It’s akin to a stored-value transit card where you pay per trip.
- Myki Pass: This is a weekly/monthly/annual pass. The price of a Myki Pass is calculated based on the zone(s) and the number of days offering unlimited travel within the period.
Types of Melbourne Myki Cards
- Full Fare: For those aged 17 and over without concession entitlements and all non-Australian citizens (including international students), the card costs AU$ 6.
- Concession: For students with a Victorian Public Transport (VPT) Concession Card and holders of a Victorian Health Care Card, the card costs AU$ 3. It’s also for interstate seniors.
- Child: For children aged 4 to 16 years (including local and international students), the card costs AU$ 3. No permit is required.
- Seniors: For Victorian Senior Card holders, the card costs AU$ 3.
- New Myki Card: Applicable for full fare, concession, children, and seniors.
Melbourne Myki Card Money-Saving Tips
- Travel before 7 a.m. for free train rides.
- Free tram travel within the Melbourne CBD area.
Brisbane Go Card
Applicable Area
Gold Coast, Brisbane (Southeast Queensland). Additionally, the card can be used on all TransLink bus, train, ferry, and tram services throughout Brisbane, Ipswich, Sunshine Coast, and the Gold Coast.
Card Fee
AUD 10, but this can be refunded later.
Brisbane Go Card Money-Saving Tips
- Avoid peak hours. If you travel after 8:30 a.m. daily, you can save 20% off peak-hour fares.
- After nine trips, you can enjoy free rides.
- Transfers within one hour are free of charge.
Conclusion
Navigating through Australia’s public transit systems becomes a breeze with these cards in your pocket. Enjoy exploring the country while saving money!
