NineSquared Fares Database

The NineSquared Fares Database is Australia’s most comprehensive repositories of public transport fare information. Designed to support government agencies and transport regulators, it enables evidence-based fare policy development, benchmarking, and strategic planning.

Since 2015, NineSquared has tracked fare levels, product structures, concession policies, and related pricing strategies across 113 cities globally, including all Australian capital cities. The database includes over 8,200 individual fare records, covering a wide range of ticketing products, system types, and discounting strategies.

What’s in the database?

• Fare structures: zonal, flat, distance-based, stop-based, and hybrid systems
• Ticketing products: single, daily, weekly, monthly, capped, and multimodal options
• Concession policies: eligibility rules, discount levels, and product availability
• Payment media: smartcards, tokens, contactless and cash
• Pricing trends: historical fare changes and announced future adjustments
• Comparative metrics: purchasing power parity (PPP), minimum and average wage ratios, and affordability indicators

The database is regularly updated, with fare data collected directly from transport provider websites and validated against official sources. It also includes PPP conversion factors and wage data for over 80 countries, enabling robust international comparisons.

Why it matters

Transport pricing is complex. Governments face increasing pressure to balance affordability, equity, cost recovery, and sustainability. The NineSquared Fares Database helps agencies navigate these challenges by providing:

• Comparative insights into fare structures across jurisdictions
• Historical trends in fare changes and policy shifts
• Detailed breakdowns of ticket types, concessions, and fare rules
• Support for fare reviews, pricing reform, and strategic planning

Whether you’re preparing a fare review, evaluating equity impacts, or exploring new pricing models, the database provides the foundation for informed decision-making.

Consulting services

NineSquared offers tailored consulting services that leverage the fares database to support:

• Fare strategy and policy development
• Pricing reform and scenario modelling
• Equity and affordability analysis
• Stakeholder engagement and communications

Our team has advised transport agencies across Australia and internationally, bringing a practical, data-driven approach to fare reform.

Get started

• • Download the latest Fares Benchmarking Report. The Fares Benchmark Report provides data on comparative affordability of transit systems as well as providing a snapshot of fare structures and concessions across Australian and global jurisdictions.
  • Sign up to the NineSquared fares newsletter. Stay informed about fare policy developments, pricing innovations, and transport economics with NineSquared’s monthly newsletter.
  • Contact us for more information. Learn how NineSquared can support your fare strategy and policy needs.