Transport for New South Wales has reported a surge of commuters maximising contactless payments when taking trains, trams, buses and ferries across the Opal network.
Acting Minister for Transport and Roads Paul Toole emphasised that it’s a major milestone, with an excess of 30 million journeys taken using debit or credit cards, or linked devices, since the first trial on the Manly Ferry in 2017.
He added: “The NSW Government is powering ahead with more innovative payment options for those using our Opal network as people continue to move away from cash, and even more recently cards.
“We know digital wallets are becoming more common, so being able to pay a fare with a mobile phone or smart watch is just another added convenience for commuters.
“Rolling out contactless payments is an Australian-first innovation and is one of the biggest advancements in ticketing technology in generations, with around 1.5 million journeys paid for without an Opal card in an average week.”
He emphasised the continued desire for Opal cards, in spite of the growth of alternative payment methods: “It’s easier than ever to pay for public transport and through our innovative payment platforms we’re aiming to create more digital products including the digital Opal card which we plan to roll out in a trial phase in 2020.
“This follows the activation of contactless payments on all public transport modes on the Opal network, and introducing the same fare and travel benefits of an Adult Opal card last year. Transport for NSW continues to offer Opal cards.”
