The major upgrade to the Opal ticketing system allows users to tap on and off without needing to unlock their iPhone or Watch first.
Transport for NSW undertook a staggered roll out of Express Mode across the 25,000 card readers on the Opal network, starting with ferries and light rail, then train stations, and then the thousands of Opal readers on buses, which finished this week.
Express Mode for Apple pay is supported on iPhone and Apple Watch running iOS 16.4 or later. Users should add their card to Apple Pay, then set an Express Travel Pass card in settings.
For more information see Contactless payments at transportnsw.info
NSW Transport Minister Jo Haylen said:
“Commuters in the Hunter, Illawarra, Blue Mountains and everywhere in between will benefit from being the first public transport users in Australia to benefit from the mass roll out of this initiative.
“It will make life so much easier for the almost 2 million transport passengers who use contactless payments with a digital wallet in NSW.
“We’re embracing the future of travel, putting our state in line with global cities such as New York, London and Hong Kong. Think of your phone as your public transport passport.
“We know it can hold things up when you’re trying to quickly scan your face or finger to unlock your device at the reader. Now for Apple users it’s as simple as tapping your iPhone or Apple Watch without having to wake up or unlock your screen.”
Transport for NSW Chief Technology and Innovation Officer Kurt Brissett said:
“Everyone in greater Sydney and our major regional hubs will benefit from the new technology.
“Transport for NSW has now updated the software across the state’s 25,000 Opal readers across the metro, rail, bus, ferry and light rail networks to enable this innovative feature.
“Over 65% of contactless card taps we see on the Opal network are now made using a digital wallet, and Apple Pay represents the vast majority of these. This means the upgrade provides access to a seamless tap on and tap off experience for most of our passengers, joining Samsung users who have already been afforded with the capability.
“This really is amazing technology that will deliver a simple time saving solution with fewer hold ups and more peace of mind. Those with the latest Apple iPhone and software can even tap if their battery is flat.”
