Accessing public transport on the Upper North Shore is set to become significantly easier for local commuters. As part of a NSW Government initiative to ensure parking spaces are reserved for genuine public transport users, new Park&Ride facilities are being launched at Thornleigh and Gordon (Henry St South).
These upgrades are designed to solve a common frustration for locals: the struggle to find a spot in commuter car parks. Research has shown that nearly 50 per cent of people using some commuter car parks do not actually catch public transport. Since the Park&Ride program launched, that figure has shifted dramatically, with over 95 per cent of users now continuing their journey on the network.
Park&Ride provides free parking for up to 18 hours for passengers who use their Opal card, or a linked credit/debit card, for at least one trip on any mode of public transport.
To access the free parking:
- Tap on and off for your public transport trip as usual.
- At the car park exit, simply tap the same Opal card at the boom gate.
- Go Contactless: Alternatively, you can link your vehicle’s number plate to a Transport Connect account. Your plate will be scanned at the exit, and the gates will open automatically.
At a Glance: New Parking Rules
- Locations: Now active at Thornleigh and Gordon (Henry St South) commuter car parks.
- The Benefit: Up to 18 hours of free parking for passengers who use public transport.
- How it Works: Tap on/off for your journey using an Opal card or linked credit/debit card.
- Exit Process: Tap the same card at the boom gate or link your number plate to a Transport Connect account for automatic entry/exit.
- Impact: The program has increased commuter-only parking usage from 50% to over 95% in other areas.