The New South Wales government has revealed plans to make Sydney's $60 weekly toll cap a permanent fixture, with Premier Chris Minns announcing that two-way tolling on the Sydney Harbour Bridge could help fund the scheme from 2028.
Major Cost-of-Living Relief for Western Sydney
Premier Minns described the toll cap as "a massive cost-of-living relief measure for literally hundreds of thousands of people who live in western Sydney." He emphasised that without the cap, drivers would face full market rates for using Sydney's extensive toll road network.
The current arrangement, which began in early 2024 and was scheduled to expire at year's end, allows drivers to claim rebates from the government after spending $60 per vehicle weekly, with maximum weekly claims reaching $340. Minns confirmed the government intends to extend this scheme indefinitely.
Funding Through Two-Way Tolling
To finance the permanent toll cap, the government is considering reintroducing two-way tolling on state-owned infrastructure including the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Tunnel, alongside the forthcoming Western Harbour Tunnel and M6 Motorway.
Minns acknowledged the proposal might not be universally popular but defended it as the fairest approach. "It's not everybody's cup of tea, but we think it's the fairest thing to do when you consider that a lot of the communities that will use the Harbour Bridge have access to public transport," he stated. "Many communities in western Sydney and the Central Coast just don't have anything like that."
Implementation Timeline and Costs
The premier indicated that two-way tolling on state-owned roads would likely coincide with the completion of the Western Harbour Tunnel, currently scheduled for 2028. The existing toll cap costs the government approximately $200 million annually, with original budget allocations of $561 million over two years.
An independent report from 2024 highlighted the significant financial burden on Sydney drivers, revealing they spend $2.5 billion annually on tolls, with western suburbs residents bearing the heaviest impact.
The Harbour Bridge previously operated with two-way tolling from its opening in 1932 until northbound charges were removed in 1970. The original purpose of tolling - to repay construction costs - was completed in 1988.
Meanwhile, negotiations continue between the government and tolling giant Transurban regarding the unification of all tolling under the newly-established NSW Motorways agency. Transport Minister John Graham has committed to providing an update on these discussions before year's end.
