Sydney Drivers to Pay Extra $103 Million in Tolls by 2028

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By 2028, Sydneysiders are expected to fork out an extra $103 million in tolls — and it's all part of what the NSW government says is a growing, but necessary, transition.

According to the latest state budget, toll revenue is set to rise from $180 million to $283 million by the 2028–29 financial year. The reason? Two major new motorways — the M6 Stage 1 and the Western Harbour Tunnel — are set to open that year.

Now before you panic about rising toll prices, the government is quick to clarify: this increase in revenue isn’t because existing tolls are going up, but simply because these two new roads will start operating — and they’ll be publicly owned.

“We’re keeping the Western Harbour Tunnel and M6 Stage 1 in public hands, just like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Tunnel,” a government spokesperson said. “That means we’re doubling the number of toll roads that aren’t privately owned.”

Why does that matter?

Well, it’s all about rebuilding competition and giving more control back to the people of NSW, rather than letting private companies dominate the toll network. And yes, the government admits things might get a bit worse before they get better.

“This toll situation — we were honest from day one — it’s going to get messier before it improves,” the spokesperson said.

The extra $103 million in revenue is actually based on planning documents and environmental impact statements released by the previous Liberal government, according to the current Minns government.

In the meantime, relief measures are already in place, including a $60 weekly toll cap for motorists from Western Sydney — an area heavily reliant on tolled roads. Since the cap began in early 2024, the government says over $139 million has been returned to drivers.

So while more toll roads are coming, the government is pitching this as a step toward regaining public control — and hopefully, a fairer toll system in the long run.

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