More than a million metro and regional train passengers across NSW will travel free for two days on Thursday 31 July and Friday 1 August, with the NSW Government and business encouraging people to come out and use the network, but also take the opportunity to support local businesses.
The fare-free period is an acknowledgement by the Minns Labor Government that the patience of the travelling public was strained to breaking point during the period of protected industrial action and that some businesses like cafes, shops and hospitality operators were collateral damage of the interruptions
The rail Enterprise Agreement received the overwhelming support of the rail workforce in a ballot that closed on Saturday.
More than 11,700 employees participated in the vote, with 92% supporting the Enterprise Agreement which will now be lodged with the Fair Work Commission for formal approval.
Resolution of the matter will allow Sydney Trains, NSW TrainLink and the combined rail workforce to focus solely on improving reliability and services for passengers.
The fare-free 48 hours is an invitation to workers to travel into the Sydney or Parramatta CBDs, or other work and commercial centres across the state, at no cost and support the food and hospitality businesses that took a hit during those months of disruption.
Business Sydney, the Tourism & Transport Forum and the Night Time Industries Association are all backing the push for passengers to back local businesses during the fare-free period.
The fare-free period has been set at the end of the month so that it does not coincide with the current school holidays, allowing the maximum number of regular rail passengers to benefit.
From 12:01am Thursday 31 July to 11:59pm on Friday 1 August 2025, travel will be free on all Sydney Trains, NSW TrainLink, Airport Link, and Sydney Metro services.
Opal gates and readers at Opal enabled train and metro stations will be turned off during this fare free period meaning customers will not need to tap on and tap off.
Passengers using NSW TrainLink services during this time will be refunded but must have booked a ticket to secure their seat to travel.
Free travel will not extend to buses, ferries and light rail which will charge fares as normal.
Opal benefits will still apply to all paid journeys where customers tap on and tap off.
Minister for Transport John Graham said:
"More than a million people will be able to travel free on the rail network across the state and we want them to use the chance to get out and about and support our cafes, lunch spots, restaurants and after work venues.
"Some of these businesses took a big hit during the period of disruption and they deserve a shot in the arm.
"We want to acknowledge the period of protected industrial action took its toll on rail passengers but today we also look forward with optimism to a train system that will benefit from the entire workforce and management pulling in the same direction and the introduction of new technology to improve reliability and recovery times when disruption occurs.
"We will continue to invest record amounts into improved maintenance and work to our plan to lift the level of reliability."
Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said:
"As someone who represents a regional community, I know that the recent disruption hit parts of rural and regional NSW hard.
"Regional passengers deserve this relief, and I encourage everyone to take full advantage of these two days by hopping aboard and seeing what our regional areas have to offer.
"These fare-free days are just the beginning of getting our regional rail network back on track, ensuring regional commuters get the reliable services they deserve.
"The fare-free days are only a small part of our commitment to regional transport. Combined with our record investment in maintenance and upgrades, as well as cutting-edge technology, we're building a transport network that people living in rural, regional and remote NSW can depend on."
Transport Secretary Josh Murray said:
"This rail agreement has been drawn-out and difficult for passengers and our frontline employees - and we thank them for their patience as we build a better system.
"The parties have worked hard on new measures in this agreement to help restore confidence in the way we manage disruption, and the way we collaborate on rolling out new infrastructure. We can now get on with the plan.
"We welcome the positive outcome from the vote, and I want to express particular thanks to Commissioners Matheson and Riordan at the Fair Work Commission for guiding this complex rail agreement to resolution."
Sydney Trains Chief Executive, Matt Longland:
"This is a win for our staff but an even bigger win for the travelling public."
"With this certainty, Sydney Trains can resume its focus on delivering a safe, reliable, and disruption-free service. Passengers can have renewed confidence that the trains they rely on will be there when they need them."
TrainLink Chief Executive Roger Weeks:
"This agreement represents a positive outcome for our employees-and an even greater benefit for passengers across regional NSW."
"With this clarity in place, NSW TrainLink can fully refocus on providing safe, dependable, and uninterrupted services. Travellers can once again feel confident that the trains they count on will be running when they need them."
