Eligible drivers are expected to receive an average of $134 back each quarter, with those who travel from Western Sydney tipped to benefit most. 

Sydney is considered one of the most tolled cities in the world, bringing in half of the toll revenue reported by road operator Transurban in the back half of 2023 – a total of $878 million. 

There are 13 toll roads scattered across the Harbourside City, compared to two in Melbourne and six in Greater Brisbane.

Drivers in the city's more affordable western suburbs are said to be worse off than others due to a lack of public transport networks servicing the region. 

“We know the toll burden is hitting families who can least afford it most,” NSW premier Chris Minns said on Friday.

“The $60 toll cap is a key part of the NSW Government’s commitment to provide cost-of-living relief to families at a time when they are doing it tough.”

Motorists who spend an average of $200 a week on toll roads can expect to be rebated around $7,280 a year over the two-year program, according to the NSW Government.

How to claim toll road rebate 

If you’re one of 350,000 eTag holders thought to be eligible for a rebate of travel expenses, you’ll be able to make a claim via Service NSW from Tuesday 9 April. 

Motorists can make a claim for a rebate if they’ve spent more than $60 on toll roads during the quarter. 

They must also be a NSW resident and hold a personal toll account with a toll road provider. 

Those who are also registered for the M5 South-West Cashback Scheme can’t claim expenditure from travel on the M5 South-West toll road. 

The scheme also includes a ‘fair use provision’. 

Drivers can only make a claim for up to $400 of toll expenditure per week, thus the rebate is limited to a maximum of $340 per week for each tag or licence plate on a toll account.

“When applications open next Tuesday, we want motorists to hit the pedal to the metal and lodge their claim with Service NSW,” NSW minister for customer service and digital government Jihad Dib said.

“We have made the application process simple to use – you can link your toll account to your MyServiceNSW account, view your Toll Tracker and then if eligible, submit your claim. 

“It will be even quicker if you have your details like your toll account number and bank account information ready to go.”

Suburbs most impacted by the toll road rebate scheme 

Suburbs housing the greatest number of drivers eligible for toll rebates include Kellyville, Baulkham Hills, Greystanes, Marsden Park, and Moorebank, where average rebates are expected to be between $145 and $195 for the quarter. 

Meanwhile, the highest average rebates are expected to be realised by residents of Lakemba ($309), Auburn ($266), Bankstown ($235), Rosehill ($232), and Villawood ($227).

Image by  Dylan Chung on Unsplash