Regions to get tap-and-go option for bus travel after successful trial

Currently, Bathurst and Dubbo are the only locations in rural and regional NSW to have Transport for NSW's tap and go payment technology.

A few bus operators in regional NSW have also independently introduced their own systems and Sydney and Outer Metropolitan NSW (Blue Mountains, Wollongong, Newcastle and Central Coast) already have the Opal network.

The technology will be rolled out statewide by 2027 on more than 400 fare-paying bus services with passengers using their smartphone, watch or debit/credit card to pay for their fares.

Until now, regional customers have been forced to pay with cash, except for in a few locations where bus operators have independently introduced their own form of contactless payment technology.

Wagga Wagga will be the first regional community to benefit from the policy announcement.

NSW regional transport minister Jenny Aitchison said the trial in Bathurst and Dubbo had seen 42 per cent of passengers paying without cash.

"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," she said.

Independent MP for Wagga Wagga Dr Joe McGirr said he welcomed the new technology coming to his community, which "will hopefully encourage more people to use public transport".

"It will provide streamlined travel options for passengers wishing to pay fares with cards or devices but importantly, those who wish to pay by cash will still be able to do so, delivering a diversity of choice," Dr McGirr said.

Passengers will still be able to pay with cash on buses when the new technology is rolled out.

The technology will not include school services where students mostly already use pre-paid bus passes or NSW TrainLink long-distance coach services where tickets are pre-paid.

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