Photo: Transport for NSW

Transport for NSW has rolled out 28 Opal top-up machines at train stations and ferry wharves across its network, with 20 stations on the Sydney network getting in on the action.

Minister for transport Gladys Berejiklian – who was re-elected to the seat of Willoughby at Saturday’s election – announced the rollout on Friday.

With 2.5 million Opal cards now issued, including 300,000 senior/pensioner cards and 70,000 concession cards for tertiary students, Berejiklian said more than 200 million trips have been taken so far with Opal cards, and more than 50 million of them have been free.

“Opal has already transformed the way people catch public transport and put an end to Sydney’s ticket queues,” Berejiklian said. “The top up machines will make Opal even more convenient for customers.”

Top-up machines were already operating on the stations along the South West Rail Link. As of this past weekend, new Opal top-up machines are now live at the following stations:

Parramatta

Penrith

Strathfield

North Sydney

Central

Kings Cross

Town Hall

Martin Place

Bondi Junction

Wynyard

Redfern

Sydney Olympic Park

Circular Quay

Domestic Airport

International Airport

Museum

Chatswood

St James

Leppington

Edmondson Park

Transport for NSW aims to install close to 350 machines across train stations, ferry wharves, and bus and light rail stops this year, providing coverage for about 99% of customers.

The first 100 machines allow customers to top-up their Opal card using a debit or credit card and later machines will accept cash, Berejiklian said.

Existing top-up methods will remain in place.