Tap your credit card to pay for your journey
From today customers catching ferries and light rail across Sydney can now choose to pay with their credit card with the expansion of new technology that allows credit cards to be tapped at Opal gates and readers, charging customers a single-trip fare.
Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance announced the expansion of the contactless payment system to the Inner West Light Rail and all Sydney Ferry services, following a successful trial on the Manly ferry.
“In July last year we became the first state to accept contactless transport payments, with a trial of the technology on the Manly to Circular Quay ferry. Now, after overwhelmingly positive customer feedback, we’re adding more services, more modes and more card providers,” Mr Constance said.
“The integration of contactless transport payments into the Opal ticketing system is about choice and convenience, providing customers with another option for accessing public transport and the ability to pay as you go.
“Obviously, with this new technology, customers also have the option to tap on and off using mobile wallets on smartphones, tablets and wearable devices that are linked to their American Express, Mastercard or Visa card,” Mr Constance said.
Australia is a world leader in the uptake of contactless payments in the retail sector but NSW remains the only state to trial this technology on its transport network.
“Only a handful of transport networks around the world offer similar options in this space. For us to already be expanding contactless transport payments showcases once again NSW is leading the way in adopting technology for transport solutions.
“Contactless transport payments make purchasing one-off fares quick, easy and seamless, helping ease congestion and reducing overall travel times.
“Opal is not going anywhere. The Opal card has been a huge success and, in many ways, is the foundation for building the transport network of the future.
“Opal remains the most economical way for regular travellers to get around on the public transport network, offering transfer discounts and lower fares than a single trip journey, however now there is an extra level of convenience for people who don’t have an Opal card, have forgotten to top it up or don’t travel regularly.
“In NSW we know transport is no longer just about infrastructure but also about embracing technology to provide the best services possible for our customers,” Mr Constance said.
The contactless transport payment trial with Mastercard, Visa and American Express will continue to run through 2018 while Transport for NSW are also working with EFTPOS to consider how they can also be included in the trial.
The cost of a journey using contactless payment is the same as an Adult Opal single trip ticket, which is based on the distance travelled.
For more information about the contactless transport payment trial visit transportnsw.info