Contactless payments across all Sydney Ferries and light rail services are now possible thanks to a new device or your debit and credit cards thanks to Mastercard and Transport for NSW. .
After being successfully trialled on the F1 Manly to Circular Quay ferry service, customers can now travel on Australian public transport for the first time using this new form of paying.
Richard Wormald, Mastercard Division President for Australasia says, “As the first payments provider to bring contactless payments to public transport in Australia, we’re excited to expand this innovative solution to all Sydney Ferries and light rail services.
“The trial, which began in July 2017, has been a great success and demonstrates how we can apply and adapt technology to simplify customer experiences. We are looking forward to rolling out similar solutions in other states, and making Australian cities more connected.”
The expansion of contactless payments technology also provides a convenient option for those who do not use public transport frequently, are visiting from abroad or interstate, or simply just left their Opal card at home.
NSW Transport Minister Andrew Constance said, “In NSW we know transport is no longer just about infrastructure but also about embracing technology to provide the best services possible for our customers. The integration of contactless transport payments into the Opal ticketing system makes the purchasing of one-off fares quick, easy and seamless, providing choice and convenience to customers.”
Mastercard combines its insights, technology and expertise to help make cities more inclusive, and sustainable. Introducing contactless ticketing is one of the ways that Mastercard is working with cities and other partners around the world to identify and implement appropriate location-specific solutions, addressing challenges that stem from rapid urban growth.
The wider roll-out to Sydney Ferries and light rail services builds on the success of Mastercard’s recent work with Singapore’s Land Transport Authority to implement the first contactless payments program for transit agencies in the Asia Pacific Region.
Globally, Mastercard is working with more than 100 cities to develop contactless transport solutions; including London, where already around half of all pay-as-you-go journeys on the city’s underground, buses and commuter rails are paid that way.
