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Fare compliance and fines

Pay your fare to avoid fines

If you use public transport you must pay your fare, or you could be fined for fare evasion.

It is an offence to travel on public transport in NSW:

  • without being able to produce a valid ticket
  • without being able to produce your proof of entitlement when you use a concession ticket.
  • using a concession ticket when not entitled.

While most people pay the correct fare, fare evasion still happens across the network and costs the NSW Government approximately $80 million each year. This money can’t be used to provide extra services and new infrastructure.

Thank you to the majority of our customers who do the right thing.

Checking tickets

There are over 800 Authorised Officers and Police checking tickets across the public transport network. They have the right to check your ticket and concession entitlement at any time.

Make sure you have a valid ticket with you, and that you are able to provide it to an Authorised Officer if asked.

Authorised Officers can scan your Opal card or contactless card or device to verify your ticket.

They can check:

  • your ticket type (contactless card, device or Opal card type)
  • where and when you tapped on or off (your recent travel history)
  • whether your contactless card or device is valid and accepted
  • the fare you paid (if the check is done after you have tapped off). 

They cannot check:

  • your contactless payment account details
  • your address
  • your bank statement or any retail transactions other than the last 10 contactless transport trips on that card or device.

Fines and cautions

If Authorised Officers or Police detect that you have committed an offence, they may issue a fine of $200 (Maximum $550).

If this happens, you are legally required to provide your correct name and address to an Authorised Officer or Police when requested. Failing to provide these details or providing incorrect details is also an offence and may result in a further fine being issued.  

Depending on the circumstances, you may be issued an official caution instead of a fine. While an official caution does not require the payment of a fine, your details will be recorded and if you are found committing another offence in the future, a fine may be issued.

If you are issued with an official caution or fine notice, it will generally be mailed to your residential address within 7–10 days of your interaction with the Authorised Officer or Police.

Pay your fine

Pay your fine before the due date to avoid an additional overdue fee of $65 (for an adult) or $25 (for a minor under 18).

You can make your payment quickly online on the Revenue NSW website. You'll need your payment reference number, which can be found on your fine notice.

Pay your fine or overdue fine now

You can also pay your fine the following ways:

  • Via BPAY - You can BPAY through your bank or financial institution. You'll find your payment reference number and biller code on your fine or overdue fine notice. 
  • in person at a Service NSW Centre or any Australia Post Office
  • by phone 
  • by mail 

Find out more about payment methods on the Revenue NSW website.

Difficulty paying your fine?

If you've received a fine or overdue fine notice and are having difficulty paying, there are options available to help you.

  • Set up a payment plan
  • Apply for a work and development order
  • Apply to have your debt written off
  • Request a fine reduction

Find out more about these options on the Revenue NSW website.

Request a review

Visit Revenue NSW website to request a fine review, or request a court hearing.

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