Transport for New South Wales (TfNSW) is set to start piloting of digital Opal card next year that will enable users to pay fares for all modes of public transport, along with taxis and Uber.
After loading their contactless card details in their phone or wearable’s digital wallet, the users will be able to pay the fares.
Users will be also able to enjoy same types of features and benefits as the physical Opal cards.
New South Wales Transport Minister Andrew Constance told The Sydney Morning Herald that the government will choose a delivery partner in January.
He further stated that the new system is another step to provide a complete digital public transport in the future.
“In the not too distant future, I envisage a subscription style transport service where people use their Digital Opal cards to pay for a subscription service for transport – like Netflix,” Constance told the publication.
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By GlobalData“The digital Opal will be used to pay a nominal fee each week or month for unlimited access to all public and private public transport providers.”
To trial the digital card, the government is in the process of selecting the commuters who are tech-savvy and use public and private transport services regularly.
To support the use of virtual card, TfNSW will also roll out a “companion app” that will help users to monitor their travel spending.
The piloting of the virtual Opal card is expected to last at least one year.
During the trial, the virtual Opal card will be available in a pre-paid model or ‘pay as you go’ basis.