We must be one of the most paranoid communities in Australia.
As soon as you mention "personal data" everyone appears to be defensive.
You can be tracked where you've been or going, your financial information is unsafe.
No one seems to be concerned that when you enter "major" shopping centres you can be tracked from the moment you entered until you left. Accusations that government employees can access your data are totally false assumptions.
There is no cost to obtain the Opal card currently if ordered online. You "top up" for $40, which is your credit for Opal. If you do not "activate" your card within one month the money is refunded.
The assumption "they are using your money" is the same for periodical tickets. If you are a regular traveller, you receive benefits.
When you tap on it shows your balance and when you tap off it shows you the charge.
After eight journeys between Monday and Sunday you have free travel anywhere on the network, unlike periodical ticketing, where you were restricted to the "zone" your periodical ticket had.
Previously, if you had to access a train and bus you paid two fares. With Opal, all or part of the journey is classified as one occurrence.
Unlike the "Family Fun Day" ticket on Sunday, which is restricted to one adult and one child, the Opal Sunday $2.50 is for all travellers, with no discrimination towards travellers who do not have a child to travel with.
The "Chinese whispers" about Opal are very inventive.
Read the documentation that is readily available before people start becoming confused with the misinformation that is out in the community.
Rob, Rockdale
Do you think people are being paranoid about personal data and the Opal Card?
