- Opal card
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Opal Location Greater Sydney, Wollongong, Newcastle Launched 2012 Technology Contactless smart card by
Cubic CorporationManager Transport for NSW Currency AUD Stored-value Pay as you go Validity CityRail Sydney Buses Private buses Sydney Ferries Private ferries Metro Light Rail Retailed Online Telephone Newsagents Stations Website pttc.nsw.gov.au Opal is the name of the contactless smartcard ticketing system that is planned to be introduced on public transport in Sydney by 2012. The smart card is expected to replace the existing Automated Fare Collection System on all CityRail, Sydney Buses, Western Sydney Buses, Sydney Ferries and Newcastle Buses & Ferries services along with incorporating all private-sector bus and ferry operators into the integrated ticketing system.
Contents
History
Tcard
Main article: TcardSydney has used a number of automated ticketing systems since the opening of the Eastern Suburbs Railway in 1979. At present, government-run buses, trains and ferries use the Automated Fare Collection System, rolled out between 1988 and 1993.
A replacement system called Tcard, based on smart card technology, was first announced by the New South Wales Government in 1996, with hopes of a system to be in place before the 2000 Summer Olympics. The contract was awarded to ERG Group.
The development and rollout of the system was beset with difficulties, leading the Government to terminate the contract in 2008.
Revival
On July 3, 2008 after 3 months of a terminated contract and a $200m lawsuit by ERG it was revealed that the a smartcard system project had been revived by cabinet. This decision also required the state government to change the structure of its fare system to suit the new system.[1]
On 29 August 2008, the Public Transport Ticketing Corporation (PTTC) released details of an Expressions of Interest for the second attempt at the project, open to other Smart Card providers. On 12 April 2010, the NSW Government announced that a new contract had been awarded to the Pearl Consortium, whose members include the Commonwealth Bank, Cubic Transportation Systems Australia and Downer EDI Engineering Power.[2]
It was announced on the 13 September 2011 that the new name for the system would be called Opal after 665 names were considered. The Transport Minister, Gladys Berejiklian said the name Opal had been chosen because it was uniquely Australian, short, and easy to say. As well as being Australia's national gemstone, the black opal is the State’s gemstone symbol.[3]
See also
- List of smart cards
- myki - Melbourne's smartcard ticketing system
- SmartRider - Perth's smartcard system
- Translink go card - Brisbane's smartcard system
References
- ^ Besser, Linton (2008-06-03). "Tcard: Here we go again". Sydney Morning Herald. http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/tcard-here-we-go-again/2008/07/02/1214950853856.html. Retrieved 2008-06-03.
- ^ http://www.itwire.com/it-industry-news/strategy/38211-pearl-consortium-wins-nsw-tcard-contract Pearl Consortium wins NSW Tcard contract, 12 April 2010, iTwire
- ^ http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/releases/110913_media_release_minister_announces_name_of_ets_will_be_opal.pdf
Public transport operators in Sydney Government Transport for New South Wales · Transport Info · Automated Fare Collection System · MyZone · Opal card · Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal · Roads and Maritime ServicesRail/Light Rail Ferry Roads and Maritime Services · Church Point Ferry · Cronulla and National Park Ferry Cruises · Hawkesbury River Ferries · Matilda Cruises · Palm Beach Ferry · Sydney FerriesBus Taxi Taxis in New South Wales · CabchargeCategories:- Contactless smart cards
- Transport in New South Wales
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