But in an apparent attempt to attract more people to use the Opal card, smartcard fares will not increase.

This means that a single Adult Train 1 fare will cost $3.30 under the Opal, but $3.80 on a paper ticket.

The take-up of the Opal card – which so far can be used on all ferries, trains to the eastern suburbs, city and north shore to Chatswood, as well as two bus routes – has been relatively slow.

For many regular commuters, the card can be more expensive than weekly, monthly or other long-term tickets.

The NSW auditor-general, for instance, this week noted that commuters who use more than one mode of transport, train passengers who travel out of peak in the morning but return in the afternoon peak, and monthly, quarterly and yearly ticket holders could all end up paying more under the Opal.