Archive, Industry News

Credit card tap on ferry

The NSW Government is conducting a new electronic payment trial on the Manly ferry

 

Cubic Transportation Systems (CTS) is involved in the first transport open payment trial in Australia with its customer Transport for New South Wales (TfNSW), similar to the technology in London where the contactless bank card has logged more than 900 million journeys to date. 

The trial on the popular Manly Ferry service leverages the technology behind the Opal smart card ticketing system, installed and operated by Cubic.

“The new contactless payment system is an exciting step into the future of ticketing for Australia as it promises greater convenience for commuters, coupled with greater efficiencies for operators,” CTS Asia-Pacific managing director Tom Walker says.

“Contactless offers freedom of choice, providing another convenient option for people using public transport.

“It should prove to be particularly attractive for the many tourists who now visit Sydney every year and want to explore this great city.”

Tourism & Transport Forum chief executive Margy Osmond congratulated the NSW Government and Transport Minister Andrew Constance on the trial, which will allow customers and tourists catching the service from Circular Quay or Manly to use their Mastercard to tap on and off at the Opal gates.

“The Circular Quay to Many Ferry is Australia’s most iconic public transport service and is known across the world as one of the best ways to enjoy Sydney Harbour,” she says.

“The roll out of a new contactless payment option will make life easier for the tourists who make up 40 per cent of people who catch the Manly Ferry every day by removing the inconvenience of having to queue and top up cards to make the trip.

“This is a welcome first step in what we hope will be the ongoing roll out of open loop ticketing in public transport services across Sydney, which must also include other credit and debit card providers to ensure a level playing field and provide maximum convenience to commuters and visitors alike.”

 

Send this to a friend