More Opal top-up machines will be placed around Sydney next year to make loading credit easier
Opal top-up machines will be progressively rolled out to more New South Wales train stations, ferry wharves and light rail stops from early 2015, as the number of Opal cards issued reaches 1.5 million.
Testing will begin this week before the first machines start appearing on stations in Western Sydney and the CBD early next year.
Close to 350 machines will be rolled out over the next 12 months, providing coverage for around 99 per cent of customers.
Minister for Transport Gladys Berejiklian says with 1.5 million Opal cards now issued and the system live on all trains, buses, light rail and Sydney Ferries, the NSW Government is focusing on making Opal even more convenient for transport customers.
“We have always said Opal top-machines would be available during the rollout, and I am pleased testing will now get underway and customers will be able to top-up at stations, wharves and light rail stops from next year,” she says.
Three different types of top-up machines will be available for customers.
The first 100 machines to roll out will allow customers to top-up on the spot with a debit or credit card, the second type will include disposable tickets and the third will also accept cash.
The State Government has also released new apps providing Opal fare calculators so customers can estimate the cost of their trip on trains, buses, ferries and light rail.