‘Crazy’: Sydney University student claims she was fined $200 despite having valid Opal concession card
A Sydney university student has been left furious after she claimed she was fined $200 by Transport NSW officers for a “crazy” reason despite having what appeared to be correct documentation.
The student, under the username Fleur Yuen, took to TikTok to share her frustration and warn other students using public transportation, and her video has been viewed almost 71,000 times since it was posted on April 1.
Ms. Yuen claims that she was fined heavily for traveling with a discounted Opal card without a university student ID.
He claims he told officers he presented his Transportation Concession Authorization Card.
“This is a message to all people who use Sydney public transport. I am a university student and go to UTS and use my privileged gray opal card,” he said in the video.
“The officer checks my ticket, ‘but you don’t have a student ID’.
He told the audience that he told officers he had a blue Transportation Concession Authorization Card; this card allows him to access the “entitlement fees specified therein by the government.”
Images from the NSW Transport website are then shown to support his point.
Ms Yuen alleges the NSW Transport Officer told her: “You can’t use this… you need your student ID” before fining her $200.
“This is crazy,” he said as he waved the alleged fine towards his camera.
Apparently the fine was issued on March 4, and the deadline for payment of the fine is April 1.
According to Transport NSW’s website, eligible TAFE and higher education students are required to carry their Transport Concession Entitlement Card along with their discounted Opal card for half-price fares.
“The Discount Opal card gives you cheaper fares on the Opal network (train, bus, ferry, light rail). You must carry your student ID or Transportation Concession Authorization Card with you whenever you travel with your Discount Opal card,” the website says.
Ms Yuen expressed disappointment at the unexpected financial burden, especially given the current cost of living pressures facing students.
“I don’t want to pay $200 because it’s ridiculous, I haven’t done anything wrong… fuel is already expensive enough,” Ms. Yuen said.
The video resonated with thousands of viewers, many of whom were likely facing similar financial pressures.
A Transport for NSW spokesperson told NewsWire: “Transport for NSW cannot comment on individual matters for confidentiality reasons, but customers who believe a penalty has been incorrectly awarded can request a review through Service NSW, where each case is assessed on its own merits.”
Ms. Yuen has also been contacted for comment.
