Australia's New Public Transport Payment System Allows Commuters To Pay With Credit Cards

The New South Wales in Australia has a new public transport payment system that is to be tested next year. The commuters could tap on and off the trains or light rail, ferries and buses using a debit or credit card if the trial next year is successful.

"Contactless payment with credit or debit cards would offer customers another easy-to-use and convenient option for traveling," said Andrew Constance, the Transport Minister. This will help the Aussies consider more the public transportation and can ease the road congestion that is caused by private commutes, according to Tech Times.

The new public transport payment system is inspired from the London's public transport system, wherein they use credit cards as an auxiliary for the Oyster cards since 2014. If the London system would be patterned in New South Wales, there would be similar fare rules to those who will use Opal cards or debit or credit cards. The commuters can use payment cards by simply tapping them on the Opal card readers, as stated by The Sydney Morning Herald.

The MasterCard is eager on amending the contactless technology in New South Wales, wherein Sydney is the tourist destination and the local businesses hub. The new public transport payment system could make travelers navigate the place easier.

The trial that is set next year will determine the cost and the feasibility of the new payment system. Mr. Constance said that the upgrade is not that easy. He further explained that some of the obstacles of NSW transportation payment upgrade include working with the finance and contactless payment sector, finalizing the partnerships and developing the software. It may also involve security measures that have to be applied and examined to guarantee that commuters' credit cards aren't floated as they head toward the end of their journey.