Keolis Downer Northern Beaches & Lower North Shore Bus Services

Ticketing

Ticketing

All you need is a SmartRider card. This is the cheapest and most convenient way to ride on all Transperth services. The card fits into your wallet and is reusable, letting you top-up with additional funds as you need.

 

Opal cards are smartcard tickets that you keep, reload and reuse for travel on any modes of public transport in NSW. Simply add value to your Opal card then tap on and tap off to pay your fares on any Keolis Downer Northern Beaches bus service.

 

If you don’t have an Opal card, you can use a contactless payment card such as an American Express, Visa or Mastercard for the same fare and benefits as an Adult Opal card.

  • How to get an Opal card

    Depending on which card you need, there are a number of ways to get an Opal card. Adult and Child/Youth Opal cards are available over the counter from Opal retailers, including convenience stores and newsagents, while concession cards must be applied for online.


    Alternatively, you can go to www.transportnsw.info to order a card online. 


    There are lots of benefits to using an Opal card, including cheaper fares and daily and weekly fare caps. Go to https://transportnsw.info/tickets-opal/opal/opal-benefits to learn more. 


    There is no charge for an Opal card, however a minimum top up value of $20 for an adult card, or $10 for a child or concession card, applies at retailers or when using top up machines. Top up amounts of $10 for adult and $5 for child or concession are available when topping up online.


    You can also use contactless payment cards such as an American Express, Visa or Mastercard as an alternative, for the same fare and benefits as an Adult Opal card. You can also purchase Opal single trip tickets, however prices are more expensive than using an Opal card and some stations, stops and wharves do not sell them.


    Please go to https://transportnsw.info/tickets-opal/opal/get-opal-card for more information. 


    Find an Opal retailer.

  • Opal fares and payments

    Keolis Downer Northern Beaches and Lower North Shore Opal fares are calculated based on:

    • the distance you travel from tap on to tap off
    • how you choose to pay
    • whether you’re eligible for a concession fare or free travel
    • any Opal benefits such as discounts and capped fares that apply

    Adult tickets are for everyone aged 16 years and older, with the exception of NSW/ACT Senior Secondary Students and those eligible for a concession fare.


    If you don't have an Opal card you can use your contactless payment card or device for Adult Opal fares. Or you will need to purchase an Opal single trip ticket.


    If you forget to tap off you’ll be charged a default fare which is the maximum possible fare for your trip.


    Go to https://transportnsw.info/tickets-opal/opal/fares-payments/how-opal-fares-are-calculated to find out more about how Opal fares are calculated. 


    You can use the Trip Planner, Opal Travel app or simply go to https://transportnsw.info/tickets-opal/opal/fares-payments/adult-fares to find out more, calculate the Opal fares or plan your trip. 

  • Concession eligibilities

    Concessions are available for eligible customers to travel on Keolis Downer Northern Beaches and Lower North Shore Bus Services in the Northern beaches, Lower North Shore and surrounding areas. 


    Eligible customers can include children and students, seniors, pensioners, Centrelink customers, asylum seekers, apprentices or trainees, people with disabilities and/or veterans and war widows/ers.

     

    Please go to https://transportnsw.info/tickets-opal/ticket-eligibility-concessions for further information and to check your eligibility. 

  • School eligibilities

    The School Student Transport Scheme (SSTS) gives eligible school students free or concession travel between home and school on Keolis Downer Northern Beaches and Lower North Shore Bus Services, as well as public transport in NSW, including metro, train, bus, ferry and light rail services.


    Please go to https://transportnsw.info/travel-info/using-public-transport/school-travel to check your eligibility and apply for free or subsidised school travel, track your school travel pass application, update your school travel pass details or apply for the School Drive Subsidy. 

Using Keolis Downer Northern Beaches & Lower North Shore Bus Services

  • Travel courtesy and etiquette

    There are laws, rules and guidelines to help ensure that everyone enjoys a safe and comfortable trip on Keolis Downer Northern Beaches and Lower North Shore Bus Services. Being courteous makes using public transport more enjoyable for everyone, so please follow these etiquette tips and rules.


    When on board, offer your seat to someone who needs it more than you. This includes people who are older, who have a disability or impaired mobility, who are pregnant or travelling with children.


    Other things you can do to be considerate of others:

    • Make room for people getting on or off
    • Do not block the doors or aisles with prams, bags or bikes and boards
    • Carry your backpack by its handle and when standing put your backpack on the floor between your legs to avoid causing any inconvenience to other passengers
    • Do not take up more than one seat when others are standing
    • Do not put your feet on the seats
    • Use headphones with mobile devices and keep the volume down
    • Speak quietly when on the phone
    • Put your rubbish in the bin
    • Cover your mouth when you cough and sneeze

    Threatening, offensive or unsafe behaviours are not tolerated, and fines may apply.

  • Graffiti

    Do not vandalise Bus Services, stations or stops in any way. Fines apply.


    If you notice a graffiti offender or vandal damaging a vehicle, stop or facility then please notify staff immediately or call the police on 000.


    If you have information regarding vandals, you can report it anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.


    Alternatively, you can report existing graffiti online at www.transportnsw.info/contact-us/feedback, choose the transport mode on which you saw the graffiti, and in the 'relating to' field on the form, please ensure you select 'Graffiti'.

  • Eating and drinking

    Eating and drinking is not permitted on Keolis Downer Northern Beaches and Lower North Shore Bus Services unless needed for a medical condition. If you are caught eating or drinking, fines may apply. 


    Drinking alcohol or being in possession of an open container of alcohol is not permitted on most public transport, including Keolis Downer Northern Beaches and Lower North Shore Bus Services. It is an offence and fines apply. 

  • Smoking

    Smoking is not permitted on or around public transport in NSW including on board Keolis 


    Downer Northern Beaches and Lower North Shore buses, stops and stations/depots. It is an offence and fines apply.

  • Travelling with animals and pets

    Assistance animals with a valid form of accepted accreditation are allowed on all public transport in NSW.


    Pet animals are allowed to travel Keolis Downer Northern Beaches and Lower North Shore Bus Services if confined in a box, basket or other container as required by the NSW Passenger Transport Act and regulations (www.legislation.nsw.gov.au). However, permission is still required by staff or the driver.

  • Travelling with prams and young children

    Using Keolis Downer Northern Beaches and Lower North Shore Bus Services to get around with prams and young children is easy, accessible and affordable.


    Children aged three years and under travel free and don’t need a ticket. Children aged 4-15 (inclusive) pay child fares. You can plan an accessible trip using the Trip Planner.


    There are some important safety measures to be aware of when travelling by bus with prams and young children. When waiting for or boarding a bus:

    • Strap your child in securely and hold on to your pram
    • Apply the pram’s parking brake and park parallel to the edge of the footpath
    • Stand away from the curb at bus stops
    • Board with the pram in front, lifting the front wheels over the gap   
    • Place prams out of the way of other passengers or staff
    • When young children are not in the pram, hold their hands when getting on and off
    • Keep children seated and close to you when waiting for and when on board the bus
    • Never leave a pram or children unattended

    Some buses can be lowered by the driver, so they are closer to the kerb. If needed, the bus driver can also extend the accessible ramp to help passengers board the bus.


    Accessible buses have specific accessible areas for prams and wheelchairs near the front of the bus, which will allow children to remain in the pram while on board.


    If the accessible door is the centre door, you will need to advise the driver that you wish to board via the centre door.


    The bus driver will wait until you have boarded, the pram is secure and you are safely seated before moving.


    When securing your pram:

    • Ensure you have the pram secured and children strapped in with the pram brake on
    • The front of the pram must be facing towards the back of the bus and be in firm contact with the panel or bar behind it
    • Attach the tether or restraining device provided through the pram handle as high as possible for maximum stability
    • Remove all shopping, luggage or items that are hanging from the pram handles so the pram does not fall over. You can place them in the luggage rack, hold them or place them under your seat

    You'll need to fold your pram or stroller and store it in the luggage rack if:

    • The bus driver advises that there is not enough space on board the bus to safely park the pram
    • It is not a wheelchair accessible bus
    • The designated accessible area is already occupied or it is required throughout the trip

    In those circumstances, you will need to fold the pram away and store it out of the way of others and find a seat. The children in your care will need to be seated with you. It is not safe to stand and carry a child while the bus is moving. Alternatively, you can wait for the next accessible bus.

  • Travelling with bikes and boards

    Bicycles cannot be taken on Keolis Downer Northern Beaches and Lower North Shore buses because they are difficult to stow without inconveniencing or potentially endangering other passengers.


    Surfboards can be taken on board, although the driver may refuse if the service is at capacity. However: 

    • You must ensure that it does not prevent other passengers from getting a seat.
    • Ensure that it does not cause inconvenience or risk to other passengers.
    • Keep it secure so it is not a safety concern for other passengers and staff
    • It must be clear of the aisle, doorways and emergency exits 
    • It is best to avoid peak hour services

    Please go to https://transportnsw.info/travel-info/using-public-transport/travelling-with-bikes-surfboards for more information. 

Think Like a Passenger - Zero Harm

Accessible travel

Accessible travel on buses:


  • If you are person with a disability, you will be given priority boarding. The bus driver will assist you with getting on and off the bus safely. Read the accessible bus travel information when planning your trip.
  • If you have limited mobility or feel unsteady on your feet, sit near the front of the bus. Stay seated and avoid changing seats while the bus is moving. When getting off the bus, use the front doors.
  • If travelling with a pram and young children, you can board with the child in the pram on accessible buses. You can also take your child out, fold up the pram and carry or assist your child onto the bus.
  • There is an accessible next stop button in the mobility aid seating area that indicates to the driver to pull in close and lower the bus at the next stop.


Planning an accessible trip with the Trip Planner shows you which bus services have accessible features. On printed bus timetables, look for the wheelchair accessible symbol or the letter ‘a’ for accessible.


On rare occasions, due to operational requirements a non-accessible bus may be used to substitute accessible services.



Wheelchair users can travel on non-accessible buses if they are able to leave their chair and get on and off the bus with or without the help of a companion.


The wheelchair must be folded and stowed away to keep aisles clear and allow other passengers to enter and leave the bus.


If you require assistance or the ramp to board the bus, position yourself in a safe spot where the driver can see you when waiting at the bus stop.


When catching a bus with your mobility device, the driver can assist with:


  • lowering the bus and extending the ramp so you can get on and off
  • asking other passengers to move so you can access the designated area
  • service and trip planning information.


For more information, please go to https://transportnsw.info/travel-info/accessible-travel/accessible-bus-travel


If you would like to provide suggestions on how we can make our bus services more accessible, please contact us through the feedback form.

Think Like a Passenger - Zero Harm
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