Sydney commuters can now tap on and off with their credit or debit cards for the entire Sydney Trains network. 

Mobile wallets on smartphones, tablets, and wearable devices linked to American Express, Mastercard and Visa credit/ debit cards will also be available to be used to tap on at train stations. 

“Integrating contactless transport payments into the Opal ticketing system is about choice and convenience, giving customers another option for accessing public transport and the ability to pay as you go without ever having to wait in a queue at the station,” Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance said. 

The contactless payment will still provide daily, weekly and Sunday travel caps to Sydney commuters. 

However, the weekly travel discounts, concessions and transfer discounts will only be available through Opal.

Concession holders, students, senior Opal Gold card holders will benefit from continuing to use their Opal cards. 

“Opal is not going anywhere and is the most affordable way to pay for your fares. This is the NSW government providing greater flexibility and convenience,” Mr Constance said. 

No personal information will be collected and recorded at Opal readers when tapping on and off, and when ticket inspectors check credit cards to see if it has been used to pay for a trip. 

The contactless payment system is due to be integrated into Sydney bus networks by mid 2019.