It will be faster and more convenient to travel in New South Wales with a $567.9 million investment in upgrades to the Opal system funded through the 2022-23 NSW Budget.
Treasurer Matt Kean said travellers will be able to put the Opal card on their digital wallets as part of the Opal Next Gen upgrade which ensures we will have a modern, reliable, world-leading ticketing system.
“Since 2012 more than four billion trips have been taken using Opal, which has transformed the way we travel and it is now time to invest in keeping this system in line with our evolving needs and expectations,” Mr Kean said.
“This gives us a window into the future, setting up the Opal network to keep pace with our changing needs whether that be a train, bus, e-bike, e-scooter, rideshare or even electric vehicle charging.”
Investment into Opal Next Gen will also enable the trial of a new world leading Mobility as a Service app, known as Opal Plus.
Minister for Infrastructure, Cities and Active Transport Rob Stokes said 10,000 people would also be selected to take part in the 12-month trial, which allows subscribers to bundle together public transport, rideshare, ebike rental, taxi and parking.
“This app will revolutionise the way we travel in NSW because it factors in first and last mile journeys, making it simpler and easier to leave the car at home and get from door to door,” Mr Stokes said.
“Opal Plus will free up people to choose their own adventure when it comes to transport, laying the ground work for an even more intelligent transport system that puts the citizen at its heart.”
Minister for Transport and Veterans David Elliott said the NSW Government’s investment into Opal Next Gen will see services tailored to better meet the needs of commuters.
“This state-of-the-art new Opal system will enable commuters to travel from A to B a whole lot easier, it will allow families to seamlessly plan, book and pay for a range of different transport services in one place,” Mr Elliott said.
“The current Opal system has delivered an exceptional service for nearly a decade, but it is time to take it to the next level.”
Transport for NSW will be running competitive tender processes starting in the next two months.
