Mastercard Enables Contactless Payments Across Sydney Ferries and Light Rail Services

Customers can now tap on and off Sydney Ferries and light rail services with their debit and credit cards, or contactless enabled devices

Mastercard, working with Transport for NSW, has today announced the launch of contactless payments across all Sydney Ferries and light rail services.

The announcement follows a successful trial on the F1 Manly to Circular Quay ferry service. During the trial, Transport for New South Wales worked with Mastercard to develop and implement a new way to pay for their fare, allowing customers to travel on Australian public transport for the first time using a debit or credit card, or contactless enabled device.

Commenting on the launch, Richard Wormald, Mastercard Division President for Australasia says, “As the first payments technology network provider to bring contactless payments to public transport in Australia, we’re excited to expand this innovative solution to all Sydney Ferries and light rail services.

“The trial, which began in July 2017, has been a great success and demonstrates how we can apply and adapt technology to simplify customer experiences. We are looking forward to rolling out similar solutions in other states, and making Australian cities more connected.”

During the first six months of the trial, Mastercard worked with Transport for New South Wales to ensure smooth implementation of the technology; facilitating more than 15,000 tap-and-go fare payments for card holders from more than 42 countries.

The rollout of contactless payments means travelers can now use their Mastercard to tap on and off on Sydney Ferries and light rail services, providing simpler access to public transport across Sydney. The expansion of contactless payments technology also provides a convenient option for those who do not use public transport frequently, are visiting from abroad or interstate, or simply just left their Opal card at home.

Also commenting on the launch, NSW Transport Minister Andrew Constance said, “In NSW we know transport is no longer just about infrastructure but also about embracing technology to provide the best services possible for our customers. The integration of contactless transport payments into the Opal ticketing system makes the purchasing of one-off fares quick, easy and seamless, providing choice and convenience to customers.”

Mastercard combines its insights, technology and expertise to help make cities more inclusive, and sustainable. Introducing contactless ticketing is one of the ways that Mastercard is working with cities and other partners around the world to identify and implement appropriate location-specific solutions, addressing challenges that stem from rapid urban growth.

The wider roll out to Sydney Ferries and light rail services builds on the success of Mastercard’s recent work with Singapore’s Land Transport Authority to implement the first contactless payments program for transit agencies in the Asia Pacific Region.

Globally, Mastercard is working with more than 100 cities to develop contactless transport solutions; including London, where already around half of all pay-as-you-go journeys on the city’s underground, buses and commuter rails are paid that way.

-ENDS-

For more information contact:

Emma Graham / Eleven
emma.graham@elevenpr.com.au
02 9025 9210 / 0401 363 662

Kate Scanlon / Eleven
kate.scanlon@elevenpr.com.au
02 8584 5786 / 0418 494 477

About Mastercard
Mastercard (NYSE: MA), www.mastercard.com, is a technology company in the global payments industry.  Our global payments processing network connects consumers, financial institutions, merchants, governments and businesses in more than 210 countries and territories.  Mastercard products and solutions make everyday commerce activities – such as shopping, traveling, running a business and managing finances – easier, more secure and more efficient for everyone.  Follow us on Twitter @MastercardNews, join the discussion on the Beyond the Transaction Blog and subscribe for the latest news on the Engagement Bureau.