A special gold Opal card for seniors and pensioners will be available from Monday, November 3, but they will not be obliged to use it.
The card will have the same daily travel cap of $2.50 that applies at present on paper tickets for older passengers.
Transport Minister Gladys Berejiklian said it was important eligible seniors and pensioners understood they could still choose to buy a paper pensioner excursion ticket (PET) after the gold Opal card was introduced.
“But, it can be used on trains, buses, ferries and light rail, when available, is much more convenient and offers the same $2.50 daily cap,’’ she said.
The gold Opal card is available for NSW seniors, pensioner concession card holders and NSW war widows. There is no fee for the card itself.
Call 13 67 25 (13 OPAL) to order or visit opal.com.au
It will take about a week for the card to arrive in the mail.
Ms Berejiklian said Opal information kiosks would be at major shopping centres and some CBD railway stations in coming weeks to assist seniors and pensioners.
Do you think seniors and pensioners will be better off with a gold Opal card?