Cubic Corporation today announced its Cubic Transportation Systems (CTS) business division successfully completed the implementation of Sydney’s new Opal contactless payments system, with final installations happening this week across the bus network.
Millions of commuters are now tapping their way across the huge transport network of buses, ferries, trains and light rail in Australia’s largest city by simply using their contactless credit or debit card, mobile phone, mobile device or Opal card.
“This is a major milestone in Australia’s journey to frictionless mobility, marking the dawn of a new age for commuter transport in Australia,” said Tom Walker, senior vice president and managing director, Cubic Transportation Systems, Asia-Pacific.
Contactless payments have been embraced by locals and tourists, with 9 million contactless journeys now taken on the Opal network since the first small contactless trial began on a single Manly ferry in 2017. Those numbers are expected to increase with the addition of the bus fleet, as well as the millions of commuters who will eventually use the city’s expanding Metro and light rail systems.
1.4 million unique contactless credit and debit cards have been used so far on the Opal network. In geographical terms, it’s the world’s largest contactless system covering 40,000 square kilometers – as big as Switzerland, Denmark or the Netherlands.
“We are now traveling down an exciting new path towards frictionless end-to-end journeys with just one payment for both private and public transport. Contactless is moving Australia towards what we would call ‘transport nirvana’ – allowing commuters to access a seamless, integrated multi-state transport network with no prior knowledge of the local ticketing systems,” said Walker.
With the project in Sydney completed, Cubic is now beginning the installation of a new contactless system across the state of Queensland, beginning with regional bus trials.
“Cubic would like to thank New South Wales Transport Minister Andrew Constance, Transport for New South Wales, project partners and our tremendous and talented staff for their role in building a better transport future for Sydney,” added Walker.
About Cubic Corporation
Cubic is a technology-driven, market-leading provider of integrated solutions that increase situational understanding for transportation, defense C4ISR and training customers worldwide to decrease urban congestion and improve the militaries’ effectiveness and operational readiness. Our teams innovate to make a positive difference in people’s lives. We simplify their daily journeys. We promote mission success and safety for those who serve their nation. For more information about Cubic, please visit www.cubic.com or on Twitter @CubicCorp.
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