Tap-and-go payment options are being made available for the first time on more than 400 town bus services across regional NSW following successful trials in Bathurst and Dubbo.
Wagga Wagga will be the first community to benefit from the Contactless Ticketing Program, with 21 local buses next due to be fitted out with the technology in coming months, with the program expected to be completed by the end of 2027.
“Where trials of contactless payment technology have been done in Bathurst and Dubbo, we’ve seen strong uptake with 42% of passengers in those communities now paying without using cash,” said Minister for Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison.
“The trial technology will now stay permanently in Bathurst and Dubbo and we will progressively roll out the same technology to other communities across the state.
“We hope this increased convenience and alternative payment option will help increase patronage on buses in regional and rural areas.”
Passengers will still be able to pay with cash on buses when the new technology is rolled out, the Minister confirmed.
The Contactless Ticketing Program does not include dedicated school services where students mostly already use pre-paid bus passes or NSW TrainLink long distance coach services where tickets are pre-paid.
