Sydney - Australia 2004 - page 100

line and the plastic tubelike structures that are the stations. Call Metro Mono-
rail at & 02/8584 5288 (www.metrolightrail.com.au) for more information.
BY METRO LIGHT RAIL A system of “trams” opened in late 1997 with a
route that traverses a 3.6km (2 1 ⁄ 4 -mile) track between Central Station and Went-
worth Park in Pyrmont. It provides good access to Chinatown, Paddy's Markets,
Darling Harbour, the Star City casino, and the Sydney Fish Markets. The trams
run every 10 minutes. The one-way fare is A$2.50 (US$1.60) or $4.80
(US$3.15), depending on distance. There are no child fares. A day pass costs
A$8 (US$5.20), and a family-of-five day pass is A$24 (US$16). Call Metro
Light Rail at & 02/8584 5288 (www.metrolightrail.com.au) for details.
BY TAXI
Taxis are a relatively economical way to get around. Several companies service
the city center and suburbs. All journeys are metered. If you cross either way on
the Harbour Bridge or through the Harbour Tunnel, it will cost you an extra
A$3 (US$1.95)—a rip-off considering there's only an official toll on the way
into the city, and if you take the Eastern Distributor from the airport, it's A$3.50
(US$2.30). An extra 10% will be added to your fare if you pay by credit card.
Note: Visa cards are not accepted in Australian taxis.
Taxis line up at stands in the city, such as those found opposite Circular Quay
and Central Station. They are also frequently found in front of hotels. A yellow
light on top of the cab means it's vacant. Cabs can be hard to get on Friday and
Saturday nights and between 2 and 3pm every day, when cabbies are changing
shifts after 12 hours on the road. Tipping is not necessary, but appreciated—a
dollar or so is plenty. Some people prefer to sit up front, but it's certainly not
considered rude if you don't. Passengers must wear seat belts in the front and
back seats. The Taxi Complaints Hotline ( & 1800/648 478 in Australia) deals
with problem taxi drivers. Taxis are licensed to carry four people.
The main cab companies are A ( & 132 522 ); Taxis Combined Services
( & 02/9332 8888 ); RSL Taxis ( & 02/9581 1111 ); Legion Cabs ( & 13 14
51 ); and Premier ( & 13 10 17 ).
BY WATER TAXI
Harbour Taxis, as they are called, operate 24 hours a day and are a quick, con-
venient way to get to waterfront restaurants, harbor attractions, and some sub-
urbs. They can also be hired for private cruises. A journey from Circular Quay
to Watsons Bay, for example, costs about A$60 (US$39) for two. An extra pas-
senger costs around A$8 (US$5.20); some taxis can hold up to 28 people. An
hour's sightseeing excursion around the harbor costs A$181 (US$118) for two.
The main operator is Water Taxis Combined ( & 02/9555 8888 ).
BY CAR
Traffic restrictions, parking, and congestion can make getting around by car
frustrating, but if you plan to visit some of the outer suburbs or take excursions
elsewhere in New South Wales, then renting a car will give you more flexibility.
The NRMA's (National Roads and Motorists' Association—the New South
Wales auto club) emergency breakdown service can be contacted at & 13 11 11.
Car-rental agencies in Sydney include Avis, 214 William St., Kings Cross
( & 1800/225 553); Budget, 93 William St., Kings Cross ( & 13 27 27 in Aus-
tralia, or 02/9339 8888); Dollar, Domain Car Park, Sir John Young Car Park
( & 02/9223 1444); Hertz, corner of William and Riley streets, Kings Cross