Public transport passengers on Sydney's Opal network will be able to travel for free for 12 days over the Easter holiday period.
The free trips will begin at 4am on Thursday and continue until 3:59am on April 26 on trains, buses, ferries, light rail and metro services.
The network extends across Greater Sydney to the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Hunter and Illawarra regions.
Transport for NSW said the free trips are designed to boost businesses and get people out and about in the community during the holidays.
However, critics have described it as a delayed mea culpa from a government that shut down the train network in February during a dispute over an enterprise bargaining agreement with rail unons.
TfNSW chief operations officer Howard Collins said the fare-free period is "hip pocket relief" in challenging times, when services have also been delayed by severe weather.
Deputy Opposition Leader Prue Car said the fare-free period was welcome, and something Labor had previously called for.
"But they wouldn't have had to do this if they hadn't thrown Sydney into chaos by shutting down the rail network entirely," Ms Car said on Tuesday.
Customers will still have to tap on with an Opal card or contactless debit or credit card but won't be charged.
Mr Collins said the Opal data helps TfNSW and other transport operators plan services and monitor passenger numbers and capacity across the network.
NSW TrainLink Regional services are not included in the fare-free period.
People commuting to the airport also need to pay the station access fee if departing or boarding at Sydney Airport domestic or international stations, which is $15.13 for adults and $13.54 for children and pensioners.
