The last paper tickets to be wrapped up on 1 August

The final transition towards a modern integrated electronic ticketing system on public transport will occur on Monday 1 August 2016.

Customers have embraced Opal, with 2 million people taking 13 million journeys a week, which is 95% of public transport’s patronage.

Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance said that given the enormous success of Opal, it’s now time to stop running two ticketing systems and move to one convenient system that enables future innovation.
The customer experience with Opal continues to be enhanced.  Just this year the award-winning Opal Travel app was launched allowing customers to top up on the go.
There are now more than 350 Opal top up machines placed at locations that provide coverage for 99% of all train trips, and at the busiest light rail stops and ferry wharves. More than 250 of these machines sell the last resort Opal single trip ticket.

Customers who don’t have an Opal card can purchase an Opal single trip ticket through top up machines for travel at most train stations, ferry wharves or light rail stops and from 1 August an Opal single bus ticket will become available on-board buses.
Following the recommendation from the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal, single tickets will be set to a standard premium fare across modes when compared to normal Opal card fares from 5 September.
NSW is not alone in setting a premium fare for single trip tickets, with electronic ticketing systems, like in Brisbane or London, encouraging customers to travel with smartcards.