A Sydney university student has been left outraged after she claimed she was fined $200 by Transport NSW officers for a “crazy” reason – despite having what appeared to be the correct documentation.
The student, under the username Fleur Yuen, took to TikTok to share her frustration and warn other students who use public transport, with her video racking up almost 71,000 views since it was posted on April 1.
Ms Yuen claims she was issued the hefty fine for travelling with a concession Opal card without her university student ID.
She goes on to claim she presented officers with her Transport Concession Entitlement Card.
“This is a message to all people who use Sydney public transport. I am a uni student, and I go to UTS and I use my concession, grey opal card,” she said in the video.
“Officer checks my ticket, ‘nup you don’t have your student ID’.
She tells viewers she told the officers she had a blue Transport Concession Entitlement Card, which allows her access to “entitlement fares stated by the government right there.
Footage from the NSW Transport site is then shown to back her point up.
Ms Yuen claims the NSW Transport Officer told her: “You can’t use that … you need your student ID”, before issuing the $200 dollar fine.
“That’s crazy,” she said as she waved the alleged fine to her camera.
The fine appears to have been issued on March 4th, with April 1st as the last day to pay the fine.
According to Transport NSW’s website, eligible TAFE and tertiary students are required to carry their Transport Concession Entitlement Card along with their concession Opal card for half-priced fares.
“The concession Opal card gives you cheaper fares on the Opal network (trains, buses, ferries, light rail). You must carry your student ID or your Transport Concession Entitlement Card every time you travel on your concession Opal card,” the website states.
Ms Yuen expressed her frustration at the unexpected financial burden, particularly given the current cost-of-living pressures facing students.
“I don’t want to pay $200 dollars because this is ridiculous, I did nothing wrong … fuel is already expensive enough,” Ms Yuen said.
The video has resonated with thousands of viewers, many of whom are likely facing similar financial pressures.
A Transport for NSW spokesperson told NewsWire: “Transport for NSW cannot comment on individual matters for privacy reasons but customers who believe a fine has been issued incorrectly can request a review through Service NSW, where each case is assessed on its merits.”
Ms Yuen has also been contacted for comment.
