Millions to pay more to catch a bus, train and ferry in one Australian state

The cost for using the Opal public transport network in New South Wales will increase following a recommendation from a government body.

The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal proposed an average two per cent increase across all transport - including metro, trains, buses, ferries and light rails.

IPART's recommendation is likely to be enforced from 2025 after it goes to the NSW state government for approval.

Ferry services will see the biggest price increase of three to four per cent with bus and light rail users to see costs rise by 1.6 per cent.

Train and metro fares are set to rise between 0.7 and 4.1 per cent, depending on the distance the passenger travels.

'Taxpayers, not passengers, fund the majority of the cost of providing public transport, because it provides broad benefits to the whole community including reducing congestion on our roads, supporting economic activity, education, social connectivity and environmental advantages,' Tribunal Chair Carmel Donnelly said.

'The maximum fare protects consumers from excessive charging, but the price passengers actually pay is set by the NSW Government and all current ticket prices are set below the current maximum fare.'