Sydney's Opal card could soon be superseded, as a new trial paves the way for commuters to tap on and tap off public transport using their bank cards.
From today, passengers on the popular Manly to Circular Quay ferry could tap their Mastercards on Opal machines to take the 20-minute journey.
The route is popular with tourists, who make up 40 per cent of patrons.
The service will not only accept debit and credit cards, but also a mobile device linked to one of these accounts, including smart phones and Apple watches.
Opal cards were first rolled out by the New South Wales Government in 2012 as a way of streamlining Sydney's public transport ticketing.
Today, passengers can still buy single-journey tickets for trains and ferries, but the only way to use a bus is with an Opal card.
Transport Minister Andrew Constance said the development would make it easier for passengers.
"Australia is a world leader in the uptake of contactless payments in the retail sector so it makes sense to trial this convenience with our transport customers," he said.
The cost of a journey using contactless payment will be the same as an Adult Opal single-trip ticket and is initially only available for those with a Mastercard, with other providers set to join over the next year.
Technology a hit with passengers
The technology has been popular on London's underground system since it was introduced in 2014.
Manly resident Paulwyn Devasundaram takes the ferry to work every day and is supportive of the trial.
"I think it's a great idea, it's one less card to carry around and worry about," she said.
"I get the ferry every day and really rely on it because I don't have a car.
"The sooner this gets rolled out on all public transport in Sydney the better."
