The 48-hour fare-free period on train and metro services is being extended so people can also get home free after midnight on Friday.
With an estimated 2.2 million set to travel free on Thursday and Friday, business groups have joined the Minns Labor Government in urging people to get out and take advantage of cost-free trains while supporting businesses, including food and hospitality venues hit hard by months of disruption.
Business Sydney, the Tourism & Transport Forum and the Night Time Industries Association are all backing the push for passengers to get behind local businesses during the fare-free period.
More than 2.2 million people are forecast to benefit from fare-free trips across NSW over two days on Sydney Trains, NSW TrainLink, Airport Link and Sydney Metro services.
The 48-hour period was deliberately planned to fall outside school holidays to maximise the number of people who can make the most of it.
The fare-free travel period is an acknowledgment of the disruption that occurred before the Sydney Trains and NSW TrainLink Enterprise Agreement was agreed with the rail workforce earlier this month.
Passengers travelling home in the early hours of Saturday will not need to tap on or off. Anyone who does accidentally tap on or off heading home and are charged a default fare will have that fare automatically adjusted to zero over the next week.
Opal gates and readers at Opal enabled train and metro stations will remain open or turned offfrom 12:01am Thursday 31 July to 6am on Saturday 2 August.
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:
"The gates will be open on Thursday and Friday, and we are inviting people to get out and about on the rail system wherever they are, including a free trip home if they happen to get a train after midnight on Friday.
"This is acknowledgement to the travelling public that months of disruption took its toll, but it is also an invitation to support those businesses who had some lean days. Whether that means a coffee at a local café near the train station or a favourite restaurant or bar in the city, Parramatta or other centres, we know businesses will appreciate a boost in trade.
"The NSW Government is working overtime to raise the level of reliability across the state's train network and restore the public's faith in the service."
Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said:
"We encourage our regional passengers to use the rail network over these two days to explore regional NSW.
"Fare-free days include regional routes to places like Melbourne and Brisbane. You will need to book in advance, but this is a fantastic opportunity to get out and explore this state and beyond."
Business Sydney Executive Director Paul Nicolaou said:
"Fare-free travel on Thursday, July 31 and Friday, August 1 is a terrific initiative that sends a strong signal of confidence in Sydney and Parramatta's CBDs. It's not just a win for commuters - it's a much-needed boost for food, hospitality and retail businesses that have faced enormous pressure over recent months."
"Encouraging people to return to the office and explore the city at no cost helps revitalise our commercial centres and reconnects workers with the vibrant, dynamic experiences our CBDs are known for."
"This thoughtful initiative is expected to benefit more than a million passengers, but its impact will ripple far beyond the trains and buses - it will support jobs, stimulate spending, and re-energise the heart of our economy."
Tourism & Transport Forum CEO Margy Osmond said:
"Transport and tourism are deeply intertwined, and when one slows down the other feels the impact. We welcome the decision to extend the fare-free travel period and encourage people to use this opportunity to rediscover their city and support the businesses that make our urban and regional centres vibrant."
"Every extra commuter is a customer for a café, a quick lunch spot or a small retailer. This cost-free 48-hours will support the daily rhythm of commuting while inspiring people to go further, explore more, and reconnect with the places that make our cities unique."
"Whether you're commuting to work, meeting friends after hours, or exploring what your city has to offer, this fare-free initiative is more than just a gesture. It's a smart investment into our state that supports the visitor economy."
Night Time Industries Association CEO Mick Gibb said:
"These fare-free days are a practical way to reinvigorate the night-time economy by helping workers and patrons return to our world class bars, restaurants, live music venues, theatres, retailers and late-night cultural institutions.
"We encourage everyone to take advantage of the fare-free travel to head into the city, grab dinner or see a gig, and support the businesses that make our nights exciting."
