Transport for NSW has disputed the Maritime Union of Australia’s claim that Sydney Ferries will be free for passengers from 11 September to 6 October.
On Tuesday, 8 September, the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) announced it will switch off Opal card readers for public Sydney ferry services four almost four weeks as part of ongoing industrial action by ferry workers. The move, set to take place from Friday 11 September until Tuesday 6 October, will effectively make ferry travel free of charge for passengers. However, Transport for NSW has since stated that regular fares will continue to apply during this period, urging passengers to continue to tap on and off using a valid Opal card or other payment method.
At this stage, it is unclear whether or not Opal card readers will actually be switched off from tomorrow. What we do know? Disruptions and delays to ferry services are likely to occur during the next four weeks as the dispute escalates, so it’s important for ferry passengers to plan ahead and monitor for schedule changes.
“There has been some speculation about free travel on Sydney Ferries during this period, however, normal fares continue to apply and all passengers are required to tap on and tap off with a valid Opal card or contactless payment method when travelling," Transport for NSW coordinator general Howard Collins said in a media release.
According to Transport for NSW, Transdev considers that deactivating Opal readers would fall outside the scope of industrial action notified by the Maritime Union of Australia.
“While Sydney Ferries services are expected to continue operating, protected industrial action may result in service cancellations, delays and timetable changes across the network, and we encourage passengers to check the latest travel information before travelling," said Mr Garrett.
Why is this happening?
The decision to switch off Opal card readers is part of ongoing industrial protest by MUA against Transdev, the foreign-owned private operator running Sydney Ferries services. It follows previous service stoppages by MUA ferry workers in the fight for a fair Enterprise Agreement, including a short strike held last Wednesday, 2 September, where ferry employees lobbied for improved working conditions and a five per cent pay rise.
“Even limited overtime bans have already disrupted several services, reinforcing the union’s concerns that Transdev relies too heavily on overtime and ferry workers forgoing their days off just to keep Sydney Ferries running," explains MUA deputy branch secretary Paul Garrett.
“By switching off Opal readers, our members are making sure commuters are not out of pocket because of this dispute. For nearly four weeks, ferry passengers will be able to get where they need to go without paying a fare."
Transport for NSW has warned passengers that disruptions could happen on short notice and passengers should allow extra travel time.
Which ferry services are affected?
The reported fare-free period runs from 11 September until 11.59pm on 6 October and, if enacted by the MUA, will apply to all 10 of Sydney Ferries’ public routes. This includes services to Manly, Taronga Zoo, Darling Harbour, Barangaroo, Watsons Bay, Double Bay and Cockatoo Island.
Importantly, the fare-free ferry services do not include Manly Fast Ferries, which are privately operated.
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AI Prompt
Do I need to tap on and off on Sydney ferries this month?
With the dispute between the Maritime Union of Australia and Transdev resulting in mixed public messaging around passengers riding free, the safest approach is to continue to pay for ferry travel where possible and keep an eye out for official updates. For now, Transport for NSW has advised passengers to continue tapping on and off using a valid Opal card or other contactless payment method. Passengers who choose not to tap may therefore risk being charged or otherwise encountering issues with their journey.
The best Sydney ferry day trips
Whether free of charge or not, Sydney ferries are arguably one of the best ways to see the city. And with spring bringing longer, brighter days, they’re a great way to explore a new pocket of the city or make your commute to work feel like a movie. Here is our pick of the top places in Sydney you can get to on the public ferry network. Keep up to date with potential disruptions and timetable changes on the Transport NSW ferry webpage.
F1 Manly
Arguably the most iconic Sydney ferry day trip, the 30-minute journey from Circular Quay to Manly promises unparalleled Opera House and Harbour Bridge views. Once you arrive in Manly, head out for a surf, explore the weekend markets, take a dip in the stunning Fairy Bower Sea Pool or enjoy beers and bites at the waterfront Felons Brewing Co. – located right next to the ferry terminal.
