A big shake-up is coming for commuters and getting around on public transport is about to get much easier.
Regional university students and apprentices across New South Wales will be able to access a new $250 travel voucher which can be used for fuel, opal cards, taxis and public transport.
Commuters will be able to use their smartphone or credit card to tap on and off the state’s transport network from 2024.
The technology, which is already in use in NSW and is being trialled in South Australia, is being brought in under the new operator of the state’s transport payment system, myki.
Public Transport Users Association spokesman Daniel Bowen told 3AW radio that the new contract with operator Conduent Business would begin in December.
A big change is coming to the myki system in 2024. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Paul Jeffers
“It’s definitely a good thing, I think people who have been travelling have seen bigger and better systems, particularly credit card options for fare payments I think will be very welcome,” he said on Monday.
The 15-year contract is due to cost Victorians about $1.7bn.
The new payment system is already in use in NSW. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Paul Jeffers
NSW commuters have been able to use their debit card or smartphone to tap on and off at the station or the bus stop since 2019.
Meanwhile, Adelaide has trialled the payment system on their tram network since October last year with plans to implement it across the entire network.
