In response to the growing number of Sydney commuters who have claimed benefits under the state government’s toll relief program, the NSW government announced on Thursday that another $60 million would be made available to those who traveled between July and September.
Over 11,000 drivers have already received rebates of over $1,000.
Motorists can claim up to $340 a week for each license plate number, and those who are eligible can save an average of around $284 a quarter.
The government is providing the relief while it works on a toll reform program. According to data, most of the money is going to residents of Western Sydney.
The independent Toll Review identified the Sydney toll road system as poorly designed and unfair.
According to the NSW government, Western Sydney residents have been the most affected by the system’s various price structures.
Over 3,000 drivers have already claimed toll relief in Baulkham Hills and Blacktown.
In addition, some of Sydney’s car-reliant suburbs, such as Auburn, Merrylands, and Marsden Park, are close to reaching the $1 million mark. The minister for roads, John Graham, said that the current system has been unfair and complex. It is the people of Western Sydney who are the ones who are most affected by the tolls.
The lack of public transport options has made these suburbs among the most frequently used areas for commuters who claim toll relief. According to data, the most frequently traveled motorways by those who are eligible for benefits are the WestConnex, M2 Hills, and Westlink M7. The NSW government noted that those who are claiming toll relief typically reach the limit of $60 by midweek.
As of January 2019, commuters can still claim for journeys made within the previous six months, and those who incurred more than $60 in tolls in a single week are urged to check if they qualify for any additional money. Jihad Dib, the minister for digital government, said that everyone should make a claim through the Service NSW website.
The claims process can be easily done through the Service NSW website. Support personnel can be reached by calling 13 77 88.