Millions of commuters have been using contactless payments when taking trains, trams, buses, and ferries across the Opal network.
Acting Minister for Transport and Roads Paul Toole said a major milestone had been reached with more than 30 million journeys taken using debit or credit cards, or linked devices, since the first trial on the Manly Ferry in 2017.
1.5 million journeys are paid without an Opal card on average in a week.
“Rolling out contactless payments is an Australian-first innovation and is one of the biggest advancements in ticketing technology in generations,” Toole said.
Toole said the NSW Government is providing more innovative payment options for those using the Opal network as people continue to move away from cash, and, more recently, cards.
He said while new payment options were growing in popularity among commuters, there was still demand for pre-loaded Opal cards.
“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,” Toole said.
“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.”