Starting July 1, 2025, tolls on the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Harbour Tunnel will increase modestly, marking only the second rise since 2009. The New South Wales government announced a 3.2% increase in peak weekday tolls, raising the cost from $4.27 to $4.41. This adjustment forms part of a broader initiative to create a fairer tolling network across Sydney, particularly easing the financial burden on motorists living in the city’s western suburbs.
This change comes amid growing concerns about the rising costs faced by drivers in Western Sydney, where road fees have escalated sharply over recent years. While charges for the Harbour Bridge have remained largely stable, the government aims to redistribute revenue to support a more equitable system and fund long-term infrastructure projects.
Gradual Increase in Tolls Aims to Support Drivers Across Greater Sydney
The upcoming increase affects various times of day, with peak weekday charges rising by 14 cents to $4.41. Off-peak rates will go up from $3.20 to $3.30, and evening and weekend fees will increase slightly from $2.67 to $2.76. These changes reflect a relatively modest adjustment compared to the steep rises experienced in Sydney’s western suburbs.
Transport Minister John Graham explained that the additional revenue will be directed toward the state government’s $60 weekly cap on road charges. This program, introduced in January 2024, aims to alleviate costs for drivers, especially those in fee-heavy Western Sydney suburbs like Parramatta, Westmead, and Schofields. Graham emphasized the government’s commitment to making pricing “fairer and more affordable” for residents who rely heavily on these routes.
Widening Disparity Between Western Sydney and Harbour Crossing
Since 2009, the cost of tolls for commuters traveling from Western Sydney into the CBD has risen dramatically. For instance, a weekday peak-hour return trip from Liverpool or Campbelltown now costs approximately $39.10, up from $12.60 in 2009. In contrast, a similar trip from Neutral Bay to the CBD via the Harbour Bridge has increased only marginally from $4 to $4.41 in the same period.
This disparity has placed a disproportionate financial strain on drivers in Western Sydney, many of whom depend on their cars for daily commuting. The government’s toll relief scheme is intended to help offset this imbalance and prevent further economic pressure on these communities.
The transport minister has defended the government’s decision to increase tolls on the Sydney Harbour Bridge by 3.2 per cent while motorists face ongoing disruptions caused by the Warringah Freeway upgrades. pic.twitter.com/Rd3AI1jYMA
— Evan S. (@fictillius) May 31, 2025
Upcoming Expiry of Toll Cap Raises Question About Future Measure
The $60 weekly toll cap program, designed to ease cost-of-living pressures for Sydney drivers, is set to expire on January 1, 2026. As of now, the NSW government has not announced plans to replace or extend this measure. Drivers across Greater Sydney will need to monitor developments closely, as the expiration could signal changes in tolling costs and policies.
Meanwhile, motorists are encouraged to check their eligibility for his rebates and relief programs, as many suburbs have already benefited significantly from the current cap. The government continues to balance infrastructure funding needs with efforts to maintain affordability for commuters.
