Transport technology case study: Next generation of Opal

^{Customer tapping Opal using smart watch. Image: Transport for NSW}

Introduction  

A major upgrade to the Opal system will provide passengers with more seamless and convenient ticketing experiences, enabling fast, connected and multi-modal journeys using reliable, modern technologies.

Since 2012, more than four and a half billion trips have been taken using Opal, which has transformed public transport travel in NSW. Enhancements since then have included contactless payment options in 2017, with further enhancements in 2022/23 that provide an even faster and easier way to pay for fares using Express Mode activated on Samsung and Apple product digital wallets.     

Challenge  

The current Opal system transformed the way citizens of NSW accessed and paid for public transport, however the ageing infrastructure requires new technology to keep it current and reliable for passengers now and into the future. Demand is also growing for more convenient digital trip planning and payment options, in both metropolitan and outer metropolitan areas. An upgrade to the existing system will help Transport keep pace with emerging technologies and changing customer needs.   

Solution

In the first upgrade of its kind in more than a decade, Opal Next Generation will transform the public transport experience, providing more convenient options for passengers to plan, pay and get journey information.

The major program of work will deliver one of the world’s most sophisticated ticketing solutions, and is likely to include:

• Replacing ageing hardware across the network to deliver a more reliable and resilient system
• Providing a smarter ticketing system that will allow us to introduce extra features such as more dynamic pricing options. 
• Delivering a more personalised digital experience with a new transport app that provides multi-modal trip planning.  
   

Expected outcomes  

A state-of-the-art new Opal Next Generation ticketing system will provide customers with more confidence, choice and control when travelling across NSW. 

As well as having more choice in how they pay their fares, customers will be able to plan end-to-end journeys using a combination of public, private and active transport – including ‘first and last mile’ services and facilities – and make informed choices about the tailored travel options provided. 

New hardware and technology will help ensure the Opal system remains reliable, resilient and can integrate with emerging technologies into the future.  

Transport will continue looking at enhancements and ways to integrate the network when it comes to ticketing across NSW in the years ahead.   

Transport technology case studies