The government of New South Wales (NSW) in Australia has announced its decision to make a A$60 (approx. KSh 5,200) weekly cap on road tolls permanent for motorists in Sydney. The policy, initially introduced in early 2024 as a two-year trial, is designed to provide significant cost-of-living relief, particularly for residents of Western Sydney who face some of the highest toll burdens in what has been called the most tolled city on earth. The announcement was made on Tuesday, 18 November 2025, by NSW Premier Chris Minns.

"It’s a massive cost-of-living relief measure for literally hundreds of thousands of people who live in western Sydney," Premier Minns stated, emphasizing the financial strain on commuters. Without the cap, he noted, these drivers would face "full market rates," which he described as "hugely, hugely onerous." The scheme allows drivers to claim back toll expenses exceeding A$60 per week, up to a maximum spend of A$400, providing a potential weekly rebate of A$340. According to a government media release from January 2024, a driver spending an average of A$200 per week on tolls could receive approximately A$7,280 in rebates annually.

The program is expected to benefit nearly 750,000 motorists across the state, with a significant concentration in Western Sydney suburbs like Blacktown, Baulkham Hills, and Marsden Park, which have seen the highest number of claims. Data shows that while Western Sydney drivers are the primary beneficiaries, many eligible motorists have not claimed the full relief available to them.

Funding and Future Toll Reforms

To fund the permanent extension of the cap, which costs the government about A$200 million a year, Premier Minns indicated the government is considering reintroducing two-way tolling on the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and Tunnel. Currently, tolls are only charged for southbound travel into the city's central business district. This proposal aligns with recommendations from an independent review of Sydney's extensive toll network led by former Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) chairman Allan Fels. The review suggested that two-way charging would create a fairer and more consistent system, with the increased revenue helping to lower charges on other parts of the network that heavily impact Western Sydney commuters.

The proposed changes, however, have faced criticism. Opponents argue that it breaks a pre-election promise not to introduce new tolls on existing roads and unfairly burdens residents of the city's northern and eastern suburbs. The government has indicated that a final decision on two-way tolling would likely coincide with the completion of the Western Harbour Tunnel, scheduled for 2028.

Global Context and Relevance for Kenya

Sydney's struggle with toll equity provides a valuable lens through which to view urban transport challenges globally, including in Nairobi. Many cities worldwide, such as London, Stockholm, and Milan, have implemented urban road pricing or congestion charges to manage traffic and fund transport infrastructure. These schemes aim to reduce congestion, noise, and pollution while generating revenue for public transport improvements. However, the fairness and economic impact of such tolls are constant subjects of debate.

In Kenya, the Nairobi Expressway, officially opened in 2022, has become a central piece of the city's transport network. While praised by some for significantly reducing commute times, it has also drawn criticism for its cost, which makes it inaccessible for many residents. The debate in Nairobi mirrors Sydney's challenges: balancing the need for modern, efficient infrastructure with ensuring equitable access for all citizens. The toll fees on the Expressway, which were increased in early 2024 due to the depreciation of the Kenyan Shilling against the US Dollar, remain a contentious issue. Furthermore, upcoming projects like the Nairobi-Mombasa Expressway are already facing opposition over proposed tolling structures.

Sydney's A$60 toll cap represents a direct government subsidy to mitigate the high cost of privatized road networks. As Kenyan authorities continue to develop infrastructure through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), the Sydney model highlights a potential policy tool for addressing public concerns over affordability. It underscores the critical need for long-term planning that integrates infrastructure development with comprehensive public transport solutions and social equity considerations to avoid creating a two-tiered system of mobility.