New contactless ticketing goes live on Wagga Wagga buses

Wagga Wagga is the latest community in regional New South Wales to benefit from the NSW Government’s new Contactless Ticketing Program, with 20 local buses fitted with tap-and-go payment technology. 

This innovative program is part of the NSW Government’s commitment to better public transport by making convenient tap-and-go payment options available on more than 400 rural and regional bus services. 

Following successful trials in Bathurst and Dubbo, the Contactless Ticketing Program is being rolled out on fare-paying buses across regional and rural NSW, allowing passengers to pay using their smartphone, smartwatch, debit or credit card. 

Until now, many passengers have largely been limited to paying with cash, except in a few locations where operators independently introduced contactless payment systems. 

In partnership with local operator Busabout Wagga, the Government has upgraded existing systems to a new, purpose-built solution tailored for rural and regional networks. 

It’s part of the NSW Government’s commitment to build more connected regional communities across NSW. 

In July, contactless payment readers were installed on 20 Wagga Wagga buses. Transport for NSW is now finalising the rollout schedule for other regional areas, with the full Contactless Ticketing Program expected to be completed by the end of 2027. 

While the new technology offers greater flexibility, passengers will still have the option to pay with cash, ensuring accessibility for all users. 

The program does not apply to dedicated school services, where students typically use pre-paid passes, or NSW TrainLink long-distance coaches, which require pre-booked tickets. 

Read the full media release here (PDF, 188.68 KB)