The new pensioner opal cards in New South Wales proves popular with eligible users
Seniors and pensioners were quick to snap up the new gold opal card with 7000 cards issued on the first day in use.
Use of the gold opal card is optional but ensures those who are eligible pay no more than $2.50 a day to use public transport.
New South Wales Minister for Transport Gladys Berejiklian says the response to the gold opal card exceeded expectations.
“We have had an absolutely fantastic response on the first day of the gold senior/pensioner card, and I’m very pleased so many people have been keen to either call in to the Opal Customer Care Line or go online and apply for the card,” she says.
Gold opal customers can use cash to top up their card with as little as $2.50, or set their card to auto-top up, like having an e-tag in their pocket.
“Let me assure everyone that the gold senior/pensioner opal card is not compulsory, and rest assured that the paper pensioner excursion ticket will continue to be available well into the future,” says Berejiklian
“We know there are some customers who will want to take their time to learn about Opal before they choose to use it.
“That is completely understandable and we want people to have that choice.”