Entire Opal network now accepts contactless payments
Sydney commuters can use a Visa, Mastercard or American Express to tap on and off on bus, train, ferry and light rail services across the Opal network.
Sydney commuters can carry one less card in their wallets as of today. Buses join ferry, light rail and train services in accepting debit and credit card payments in addition to Opal cards.
Similar to an Opal card, you can use your Visa, Mastercard or American Express debit or credit card to tap on and off at the Opal terminal across the entire network. You can also pay with your smartphone or smartwatch if your card is linked with a mobile wallet like Apple Pay, Samsung Pay or Google Pay. Samsung Pay users can even tap on and off without unlocking their device.
This is a long-awaited milestone since the trial was first rolled out on the F1 Manly to Circular Quay ferry service in 2017 followed by other Sydney ferries and Inner West light rail services in March 2018.
"This achievement marks the final piece of the contactless payments puzzle," said minister for transport Andrew Constance.
Customers using their credit or debit card to tap on can access all the same fare benefits that you'd expect with an Adult Opal card (including weekly travel rewards and transfer discounts). Plus, if you have a frequent flyer credit card, it could be an easy way to collect points on an everyday expense.
Commuters are welcome to continue using their Opal cards but it's a relief knowing that the days of lining up at the Opal machine when you've left your card at home or missing your train because you forgot to top up your card are now in the past.
