Train fares for Sydney’s expensive Airport line could be lowered significantly to make way for a hike in road tolls to alleviate traffic gridlock.

A recent report revealed Sydney Airport as the worst affected by congestion with only 11% of passengers using the train services to get to the airport.

The $15 train ticket from the city, not far off a cab fare, has become a less likely option for travellers. For passengers sharing a cab, the train journey is simply uneconomical.

The NSW government is proposing to lower ticket prices after a 50% usage increase was recorded, following a drop in fares from both Green Square and Mascot stations.

Just $3.20 of the full ticket price is charged by Cityrail, while the remaining $11.80 is charged by Airport Link, the private operator of the airport train line.

Airport Link has shown willingness to participate in price discussions after 10 years of poor usage on the line.

The fare drop, along with discussions for a toll increase for the heavily congested M5 freeway, aims to discourage travellers from driving to the airport. It will also free up parking pressure for Sydney Airport, with current construction underway for another new car park.