Tolls on busy Sydney motorway reduce for the first time in years

For the first time in years the toll on one of Sydney's busiest motorways will go down.

Each quarter there is usually a price hike, but on October 1 the maximum cost of travelling on the M7 will decrease by 15 cents for cars, and 41 cents for trucks.

"It is unusual, but it is a reflection of the times when we have a situation where there is now deflation and these contracts are written up with inflationary increases every quarter," NRMA's Head of Media Peter Khoury told 9News.

READ MORE: Truck driver fined over 15 years of unpaid tolls

Tolls will stay the same on the Lane Cove Tunnel, Cross City Tunnel, M5 Southwest, and Westconnex; while prices on the Easter Distributor and M2 increase by 8 cents.

In addition to this, toll company Transurban is extending a relief program for those who are out of work or facing dramatically reduced hours.

Hospitality worker Suzi McJennet said the relief has "made a huge difference in my wages".

The pub she works at closed for three months, and now it's reopened her shifts have been slashed.

READ MORE: Toll giant's massive half-year haul despite softer traffic growth

"It wouldn't have been worth going to work," Ms McJennet told 9News.

"It's a big difference when you're only working a couple of days a week."

Transurban has given toll relief to 31,000 people with an average saving of $200 per customer, a total of $6.6 million in free tolls.

Initially, the program was for front line workers, but it was extended to anyone suffering financial hardship. It was due to end at the end of September but will now be available until the end of 2020.

READ MORE: M8 could open as early as this weekend, with no toll-free period

"You only need to look outside to see that not as many people are travelling, so clearly our revenue has taken a hit," Jane Calvert from Transurban said.

"But throughout all of this, our commitment to supporting those who are really hurting hasn't changed."

Mr Khoury said one less expense can make a big difference for people, especially at the moment.

"It helps people who are on the road looking for jobs, going for job interviews, helps reduce the cost of living pressures a bit. We know getting around is expensive in Sydney."