INIT provides Account-based Ticketing system for Sydney
(© AdobeStock)
Karlsruhe / Germany, Sydney/Australia – 6 May 2026
++ Update 10 September 2026 in coordination with TfNSW ++
INIT will deliver an account-based ticketing system for Sydney public transport operator Transport for NSW (TfNSW). The Opal 2.0 Program will modernize Australia’s largest ticketing system and provide the foundation for greater choice and flexibility for passengers across Sydney’s public transport network in the future. Opal 2.0 will continue to support contactless payments using credit and debit cards and smart devices, while retaining the option to travel with an Opal card. The upgraded system will make travelling easier for people in Sydney and visitors alike with seamless tap on and tap off travel, automatic fare calculation and fare capping. That means passengers will always travel at the best price.
25.000 INIT validators will allow for contactless payments in the Sydney region, either firmly installed in vehicles or integrated into mounting poles or faregates (as seen here). © INIT
Sydney’s Opal system was introduced 13 years ago and is now undergoing its most significant transformation since launch. Contactless technology and easier ways for passengers to save money will give TfNSW and their passengers an upgraded, easy to handle fare management solution that makes fares clearer, payments more flexible, and the public transport network easier to use. With more than 600 million trips per year, TfNSW is one of the largest operators in Australia. As part of the modernisation, more than 25,000 new Opal readers will be installed across buses, as well as at stations for trains, light rail, metro and ferry wharves across the network. The Opal 2.0 rollout is expected to be completed by early 2029 and will be supported by a ten-year operations contract.
During a media conference in Sydney Harbour, INIT Executive Vice President MENA-ANZ Eyad Tayeb showed officials how easy account-based ticketing will be for TfNSW’s passengers. © INIT
A multitude of upgrades will help make public transportation more seamless and more flexible for passengers. If a regular passenger forgets to tap off on their usual route, the system automatically generates what is known as a “synthetic tap” based on their travel pattern and charges the correct fare. There is no need for the passenger to contact customer service. In addition to physical cards TfNSW also plans to introduce a digital Opal card. Passengers can store it in their smartphone’s digital wallet and use it to tap on and off, without the need for a physical Opal card. The digital card can be linked directly to a customer account. This makes it possible to manage multiple cards under a single account, for example for family members, and to automatically top up the balance using a stored payment method. Registered discounts, such as those for senior citizens or students, can also be transferred directly to the digital card. Looking ahead, the system will also support new ticketing options, including QR code-based single-trip tickets and other barcode products. Its flexibility will also make it easier for TfNSW to introduce integrated ticketing products, special fares and offers in the future.
Using Opal 2.0, passengers can tap on and tap off using different registered cards or devices. They no longer need to use the same payment method for both parts of their journey. © INIT
The new ticketing system is meant to further mobilise passengers in and around the NSW capital. Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns, said:
“At a time when families are under pressure, we are focused on making public transport a more reliable and affordable option for millions of people across NSW. This upgrade is about improving the everyday experience, making it easier to get around, save money and rely on public transport.”
Minister for Transport, John Graham added: “Opal was introduced more than six years before the first metro service even ran in Sydney. It’s time for this tech-led transformation.”
NSW Transport Secretary, Josh Murray acknowledged: “This is the next frontier of Opal – helping us to achieve a safe, equitable, accessible and integrated transport network.”
The award of this contract is a significant milestone for INIT, as INIT Executive Vice President MENA-ANZ Eyad Tayeb underlined: “INIT has pioneered account-based ticketing in North America, Europe and beyond, helping cities build public transport systems that are more flexible, passenger-centric, and ready for the future. We are pleased to be bringing this modern technology to NSW and set a new benchmark globally together with our valued customer TfNSW.”
Downloads
25.000 INIT validators will continue to allow for contactless payments in the Sydney region, either firmly installed in vehicles or integrated into mounting poles or faregates (as seen here). (© INIT )
During a media conference in Sydney Harbour, INIT Executive Vice President MENA-ANZ Eyad Tayeb showed officials how easy account-based ticketing will be for TfNSW’s passengers. (© INIT)
No matter which media they use, checking in and out is possible with a multitude of different media. Passengers do not have to use the same device for both checking in and out. (© INIT)
Head of Department Corporate Marketing
INIT worldwide
Phone: +49 721 6100 113
Fax: +49 721 6100 399