EXCLUSIVE

Transport Minister Gladys Berejiklian says the government risks losing money on fares charged on the Opal smartcard, in contrast to claims it could receive a multi-million dollar windfall from commuters.

"Vast majority of people are better off": Transport Minister Gladys Berejiklian. Credit:Kate Geraghty

But in her first comments on her expectations for fare revenue under the Opal card, Ms Berejiklian says she hopes to break even by a crackdown on fare evasion.

“There is a risk that we will actually – and I don’t want Treasury to necessarily hear this – but there’s a risk to us that we will take a hit on revenue,” Ms Berejiklian said.