$820 million Opal upgrade to end 'ghost buses' and introduce contactless concessions.
The New South Wales government has announced a landmark $820 million investment to overhaul the Opal ticketing system and deliver real-time information across public transport.
Key Improvements
- Onboard Information: Digital screens will be installed on 5,000 buses for the first time, showing upcoming stops and destination times, alongside audio announcements.
- Ending Ghost Buses: Real-time bus tracking will be significantly improved to reduce instances of buses appearing on apps but never arriving.
- Contactless Concessions: Nearly a million concession, pensioner, and senior passengers will soon be able to tap on using contactless cards or devices—an Australian first.
- Fare Caps: Adult fares are capped at $50 per week, concessions and child/youth at $25, and seniors/pensioners at $2.50 daily. Off-peak travel remains 30% cheaper.
The Opal 2.0 System
Contracts have been secured with INIT Pty Ltd for the Account Based Ticketing system and Trapeze Group for the bus solution.
- Hardware Rollout: 25,000 new Opal readers will be installed across rail, metro, bus, light rail, and ferries, replacing existing machines.
- Timeline: Development continues through 2026, with hardware installation beginning in 2027 and completion expected in 2028.
- Budget: The Opal 2.0 system is budgeted at $738 million, with new bus upgrade funding bringing the total investment to $820 million.
Passenger Benefits
- Automatic Refunds: Fares will be automatically adjusted if overcharged, without needing to contact customer service.
- Digital Opal: Cards can be added directly to mobile devices.
- New App: A redesigned Opal travel app will be introduced.
- Personalised Notifications: Alerts will be sent after tapping on.
- Live Occupancy Data: Faster patronage data will inform passengers about bus crowding.
- Event Integration: QR code scanning for event ticket holders to access free transport.
- Comprehensive Screens: Information screens on 5,000 buses and all Greater Sydney and outer metropolitan buses.
Official Statements
Premier Chris Minns said the upgrade aims to make public transport more reliable and affordable.
Transport Minister John Graham stated the upgrade will "end the era of 'ghost buses'."
Transport Secretary Josh Murray noted the original Opal system relied on technology from 2000 and requires a complete overhaul.
INIT Executive Vice President Eyad Tayeb highlighted their technology is used globally, including for upcoming FIFA World Cup events.
Trapeze Group ANZ Head David Eason said the government has set a bold vision for bus operations.