Mastercard in partnership with Transport for NSW has today announced the expansion of contactless payments to the Sydney Trains network and NSW TrainLink Opal enabled services.
The extension of the trial will see Mastercard technology enable customers to pay for travel on the NSW trains using their existing debit or credit card, or contactless enabled device.
The announcement follows a successful rollout of contactless payments across all Sydney Ferries and light rail services in March 2018. The expansion of contactless payments technology delivers a convenient option for those casual commuters who do not use public transport frequently, visitors from abroad or interstate, or those who simply left their Opal card at home.
Commenting on the launch, Mastercard Vice President, Acceptance Products, Mike Rowe said, “Mastercard has worked closely with Transport for NSW on this expansion, and is proud to have demonstrated the potential of innovative technologies in simplifying the commuter journey. The announcement today is a significant step towards making Sydney a more international city and providing a more seamless public transport experience for residents and visitors.
“Mastercard was the first payments technology network provider to work with Transport for NSW on the initial trial of contactless transport and Mastercard looks forward to continuing to make Australian cities better connected through further expansion across the Sydney transport network.”
During the first six months of the trial, Mastercard facilitated more than 15,000 tap-and-go fare payments for card holders from more than 40 countries on the F1 Manly to Circular Quay ferry service.
Mastercard continues to work with the public sector and private business to address the challenges of rapid urban growth. Locally, Mastercard has partnered with Transport for New South Wales to launch its Future Transport Digital Accelerator; exploring solutions to transport challenges, such as streamlining the end-to-end consumer experience by integrating different mobility models and reducing friction for both residents and visitors.
Globally, Mastercard connects cities with academia and business to identify common challenges that can be best addressed through collaboration. In November, the business announced sixteen cities including four Greater Sydney communities – Campbelltown, Canterbury Bankstown, Liverpool, and Wollondilly – as the founding members of the global City Possible program.
“Mastercard is committed to addressing the challenges faced by cities. Contactless transport payments is just one of the ways the company is combining insights, technology and expertise to help make cities more inclusive, and sustainable,” said Mike Rowe.
Mastercard is working with more than 100 cities to develop contactless transport solutions; including London, where around half of all pay-as-you-go journeys on the city’s underground, buses and commuter rails are paid using contactless technology.
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