Exciting Updates Ahead for Opal Card Users
The New South Wales (NSW) Government is set to launch a new initiative targeting dormant Opal card balances. This initiative aims to recover unused funds from cards that have not been tapped for five years. The proposed bill will redirect these funds into transportation-related projects, including infrastructure improvements and additional Opal bike lockers.
Key Developments for Opal Card Users
By the end of 2026-2027, an estimated 17 million Opal cards are projected to have positive balances while remaining inactive for at least five years. The majority of these cards are believed to belong to international or interstate visitors.
Details of the Proposed Bill
- The bill allows Transport NSW to access unused funds from dormant Opal cards after five years.
- On average, each inactive card holds approximately $4.
- This equates to an estimated total of $70 million in dormant balances across all unused cards.
In the next year, the government will run a campaign encouraging users to reclaim their dormant funds before they are transferred to Transport NSW. Currently, accessing these funds requires a tap-on, and users cannot be contacted regarding unregistered cards.
Investment in Transportation Initiatives
The repurposed funds will support various transport-led projects. These include:
- Enhancing transportation infrastructure.
- Developing a shared e-bike system, moving bikes off footpaths.
- Increasing the number of Opal bicycle lockers available for public use.
According to John Graham, the Minister for Transport, this bill will enhance the commuting experience for residents using the transport network daily. He emphasized that Sydney’s appeal as a global destination contributes to the large number of unused Opal cards.
Overall, the NSW Government’s initiative to recover dormant funds from Opal cards seeks not only to optimize financial resources but also to invest in essential transport enhancements. This strategy is expected to better connect communities with vital transport hubs and improve active transport infrastructure throughout the region.
