Sydney commuters can now use their credit and debit card or mobile device to pay for Adult Opal single trip ticket fares on all government-owned ferry and light rail services thanks to the contactless transport payments trial being run by Transport for NSW.

Commonwealth Bank has developed core payment infrastructure for the trial that in conjunction with the Transport for NSW solution allows commuters to ‘tap on and off’ public ferry and light rail services using their bank card, mobile phone or device, such as a tablet or smart watch.

Following a successful trial that launched in July 2017 on Sydney Ferries between Manly and Circular Quay, the solution has been used to pay for more than 15,000 trips.

Michael Eidel, Executive General Manager of Cash-flow and Transaction Services at Commonwealth Bank, said cities and public transport authorities across Australia are taking greater interest in the value this payments technology can deliver for both customers and transport providers alike.  

“Sydneysiders and visitors can now easily jump on a Sydney Ferries service or the light rail by simply tapping their bank card or mobile phone without the need to wait in queues now that we’ve integrated payments technology with travel.  This payments solution helps to improve security and optimise operational costs.  We have a strong track record of innovating with the NSW Government and are proud to improve the delivery of services to the people and communities of NSW,” Mr Eidel said.

NSW Transport Minister Andrew Constance said: “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. The integration of contactless transport payments into the Opal ticketing system makes the purchasing of one-off fares quick, easy and seamless, providing choice and convenience to customers.”