Fare compliance and fines
When using public transport, you must pay your fare or risk a fine for fare evasion.
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 $120 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 you commit an offence, Authorised Officers or Police may issue a fine of $200 (up to a maximum of $550).
- You must provide your correct name and address if asked by an Authorised Officer or Police. Refusing or giving false details is also an offence and may lead to additional fines.
- Depending on the situation, you may receive an official caution instead of a fine. A caution does not carry a fine but will be recorded. If you commit another offence, you may receive a fine.
- If issued with an official caution or a fine notice, it will generally be mailed to your residential address within 7–10 days.
Pay your fine online
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.
Other ways to pay
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: Visit a Service NSW Centre or any Australia Post Office.
- Phone or mail: Alternative payment methods are available 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.