Sydney train customers can now use the Opal card for some train trips, with more than 4600 customers now signed up for Opal cards following a trial on trains which began nearly two weeks ago.
The Opal cards can now be used on city circle trains and to Bondi Junction. A total of 300 train stations will be added to the Opal network by the end of 2014.
The Opal card has already been trialled on Sydney ferries. Transport for NSW hopes to expand to all Sydney ferries, comprising 40 wharves, by the end of 2013
“Importantly three-quarters of customers are opting to set up the auto load function which shows people are eager to avoid having to line up for a ticket or fumble for cash ever again,” Gladys Berejiklian, Minister for Transport, said in a statement.
“It’s just like having an e-tag in your pocket.”
More than 90 per cent of Opal cards have been ordered over the Internet.
Between now and March next year several Sydney train lines will have Opal capabilities, including from the city to Chatswood; Redfern to Strathfield; Strathfield to Hornsby; and Epping to Chatswood.
Train customers out of the city, including Emu Plains and Richard and Strathfield to Liverpool via Regents Park, will also be able to use Opal cards by March 2014.
The government is offering discounted incentives for customers to use the transport card, including offering discounts up to 8 per cent, off peak discounts up to 30 per cent and a $2.50 cap on Sunday travel.
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