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A new Opal app, easier ways to save money and the introduction of a digital Opal card will be delivered under the biggest overhaul of the NSW public transport ticketing system since its rollout 13 years ago. 

The $820 million investment will deliver much better real-time information on public transport services, including the installation of digital information screens on 5,000 buses for the first time.

This will provide passengers with information on upcoming stops and destination timings – as well as onboard audio announcements.

Passengers waiting at bus stops will now get much better information on the next service, ending the longtime commuter frustration of ‘ghost buses’ that show up on apps and maps but not in real life.

As announced earlier this month, almost a million public transport passengers will shortly be able to claim their concession, pensioner or seniors fares – and the lower weekly fare cap – through contactless technology on their device under the digital upgrade to the Opal network. 

Adult fares are capped at $50 weekly, Concessions and Child/Youth at $25, and a $2.50 daily cap is in place for Senior/Pensioner travellers – meaning once you hit those caps, your trips are free. On Fridays, weekends, public holidays and outside peak times, fares are 30 per cent cheaper on metro, train, bus and light rail services.

The project, Opal 2.0, has passed a significant milestone, with contracts now signed with two leading industry suppliers to deliver the ticketing overhaul.

Contractors will install 25,000 new Opal readers across rail, metro, bus, light rail and ferries, replacing the familiar machines passengers have “tapped on” to for more than a decade and have now reached their end of life.

Development of the new system will progress throughout 2026 before the first hardware installations starting in 2027 and completion expected in 2028.

This investment is part of a broader shift to focus on the parts of the public transport network people use every day like buses and heavy rail, alongside new metro lines.

For too long, investment has been concentrated in major metro projects, while reliability and customer experience on existing services has lagged. That is changing.

This upgrade will improve the day-to-day experience for millions of passengers, making services more predictable, easier to use and better connected.

Passenger benefits of Opal 2.0 include:

• Automatic fare adjustment if an incorrect fare is charged, without needing to contact customer service
• Digital Opal cards that can be added to your device of choice
• World-leading and Australian-first Contactless Concessions
• New and improved Opal travel app
• Personalised notifications sent after a passenger taps with advice on trip and fare
• Faster and more accurate patronage data to warn how busy onboard an upcoming service will be
• Information screens on 5000 buses
• Ability for event-goers to scan the QR code on their ticket at an Opal reader to access free transport
• Passenger information screens that display upcoming stops on all Greater Sydney and outer metropolitan buses
• Better real-time bus tracking and patronage accuracy

Following a competitive international procurement process, Transport for NSW has awarded contracts for the Opal 2.0 upgrade.

INIT Pty Ltd will deliver the Account Based Ticketing system. Headquartered in Germany with a Sydney office, INIT has delivered ticketing systems in more than 140 cities worldwide.

Trapeze Group will deliver the Bus Solution. With a workshop in Western Sydney, Trapeze operates in more than 70 locations globally and delivers transport technology across Australia, including for Yarra Trams and NSW Ambulance.

The NSW Government has allocated $77.8 billion over four years in the 2025-26 Budget to support public transport services and infrastructure, and the functions that keep them running.

Opal 2.0 budget remains within budget at $738 million, as previously announced, with new funding for the bus upgrades taking the overall investment to $820 million.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“At a time when families are under pressure, we are focused on making public transport a more reliable and affordable option for millions of people across NSW.”

“This upgrade is about improving the everyday experience, making it easier to get around, to save money and easier to rely on public transport.

“We are investing not just in new lines, but in the services people use every day like buses, trains and the systems that keep them running.”

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“Opal was introduced more than six years before the first metro service even ran in Sydney. It’s time for this tech-led transformation.”

“So-called ‘ghost buses’ have been a bugbear for Sydney commuters, and this solution is going to end that era once and for all.

Transport Secretary Josh Murray said: 

“This is the next frontier of Opal – helping us to achieve a safe, equitable, accessible and integrated transport network.

“The original Opal relied on technology from London’s Oyster system, which was first introduced in 2000. Like corresponding technology from the start of the century such as the Blu-Ray Player and the first Blackberry – it’s time for an overhaul.”

INIT Executive Vice President MENA-ANZ Eyad Tayeb said:

“We are delighted to bring the very latest account-based ticketing technology to NSW.

“Our technology is used in dozens of world class public transport systems across the globe, including playing a critical role in Atlanta and Houston’s hosting of the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, as well as the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics and the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Munich.

Trapeze Group ANZ Head of Intelligent Transport Systems David Eason said:

“The NSW Government has set a bold and progressive vision for the future of bus operations. Passengers across Greater Sydney and outer-metropolitan areas deserve a predictable, reliable, and easy to use bus network that connects communities.” 

The Minns Labor Government is accelerating the delivery of more than 68,000 new homes across regional communities, with a $3.8 million investment to help councils unlock housing supply sooner.

Twenty regional councils across NSW will share in the latest funding from the Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund (RHSPF), which will support critical planning work needed to enable thousands of more homes.

This funding will fast-track work which is critical to support sustainable growth that aligns with both demand and infrastructure needs.

This investment is supporting councils right across NSW from Newcastle to the Central West, Riverina, Murray, Northern Rivers and more so they will be better equipped to deliver more diverse, well-located and affordable homes.

The funding will be used to deliver technical studies and policy frameworks needed to guide future growth, such as local housing strategies, infrastructure servicing plans, contributions plans, and development control plans.

Councils have co-contributed $1.1 million, bringing total investment in this round to $4.9 million.

Since its launch, the RHSPF program has funded 80 strategic planning projects worth $20.3 million. Councils have completed 36 projects under rounds 1 to 3, helping to advance an estimated 62,000 dwellings along the housing supply pipeline.

This is part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to build a better NSW with more homes and services, so people have somewhere to live and in the communities they choose.

For more information about the RHSPF, visit: Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“We’re backing regional communities with the planning they need to deliver more homes, sooner.

“This investment is about making sure councils have the tools to unlock land, coordinate infrastructure and support growing communities.”

The Minns Labor Government is celebrating the achievements and lives of regional and rural women in New South Wales with the launch of a new podcast today.

Called ‘Wise, Wild and Woven’, the podcast tells the stories of 13 women, over 40, from across the state from as far south as Deniliquin right up to Tweed Heads in the north.

The 13-espisode series offers an impressive lineup of women including Regional Woman of the Year recipients, AgriFutures Rural Women’s award finalists and winners, Hidden Treasures Honour Roll nominees, business founders and volunteers.

Developed by the NSW Rural Women’s Network and hosted by Dimity Brassil, Program Producer of A Lasting Tale and the 2023 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award NSW/ACT State Finalist, the podcast delivers thought-provoking conversations that explore living and working in regional and remote New South Wales.

It also aims to challenge negative stereotypes about gender and ageing, and illustrate the breadth of achievement, leadership and resilience across the state.

Four episodes are available to stream now on all major podcast platforms:

• Mary Hollingworth, based in Glen Innes, is a long‑time community contributor and Country Women’s Association member, recognised as both a Hidden Treasures and Women of the Year nominee. Her story reflects the quiet, consistent leadership that keeps regional communities strong
• Dr Saba Nabi, based in Wagga Wagga, is a health professional, advocate and board member of Multicultural NSW. Her reflections speak to identity, wellbeing and the importance of inclusive voices in regional leadership
• Kirsty Evans, from Orange, is the 2025 NSW Regional Woman of the Year. A lawyer and community advocate, she’s known for her calm leadership and commitment to supporting regional communities through challenges and change
• Jane Harris, from the Southern Riverina, is a community builder and leader whose work spans education, collaboration and local wellbeing. Her story is one of connection, service and creating spaces where communities can thrive.

Remaining episodes will be released monthly throughout 2026.

The Minns Government is working to build a better New South Wales for women and girls, focusing on boosting women’s empowerment, economic opportunity and advancement and health and wellbeing. Funding for this podcast aligns with our priorities to support and uplift women across the state, providing regional women with a platform to connect and share their stories.

For more information, visit www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/women-nsw/rural-womens-network/wise-wild-woven.

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:

“This new podcast shines a light on women across regional and rural New South Wales whose voices are often underrepresented.

“These remarkable women come from all walks of life and represent the diverse breadth of achievement and experience in New South Wales – from high-profile achievements to quietly powerful contributions in their local communities.

“The podcast provides a platform for their authentic stories that I know will resonate with so many women across the state, fostering empowerment and connection within communities.”

Host and Program Producer of A Lasting Tale Dimity Brassil said:

“It’s been a privilege to interview these incredible women, all of whom are powerful and passionate community builders. I’ve loved hearing their stories and discovering what makes them tick.

“They’re doing great things and creating change where needed: raising mental health awareness in shearing sheds, fighting to get insurance for flood victims, running regional theatre awards that rival the Oscars, keeping agricultural shows alive, and putting the twinkle back in farmers’ toes for charity. And that’s just the start!” 

A new Urgent Care Centre is opening its doors to patients in Wentworth today, improving access to timely non-emergency healthcare and helping local communities avoid unnecessary trips to the emergency department.

The Minns Labor Government has been focused on delivering improved access to healthcare in regional NSW by delivering more services.

The Wentworth Urgent Care Centre is co-located in the new $30 million Wentworth Hospital and is open 365 days a year from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week. The Urgent Care Centre is staffed by nurses and supported by medical officers with important diagnostic services on-site including some pathology.

The Urgent Care Centre is equipped to treat a range of illnesses and injuries that are deemed urgent, but not life-threatening. This includes minor cuts, sprains or suspected fractures, minor infections, minor burns, rashes, insect or animal bites, cough, cold or flu, mild asthma attacks, earaches, fevers or chills.

To access the service, patients should call healthdirect on 1800 022 222. A registered nurse will assess the patient’s condition and guide them to the care they need. This may include an appointment at the Wentworth Urgent Care Centre, a specialist virtual care service or escalating their care to other services like NSW Ambulance if required.

Walk-in patients presenting to the Wentworth Urgent Care Centre will also be triaged, treated or transferred to the most appropriate facility to receive the right care, at the right time.

Healthcare provided at Wentworth Urgent Care Centre is bulk-billed.

The Minns Labor Government is working to improve access to care and reduce wait times, through the emergency department relief package which will invest an additional $100 million to fund urgent care services for a further two years, providing a pathway to care outside of our hospitals for an estimated 114,000 patients once fully implemented.

Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park:

“Families in Wentworth and surrounding areas now have more pathways to access timely care for conditions which can be safely and effectively treated outside of the emergency department.

“This new service is co-located in the new $30 million Wentworth hospital and will improve access to care and reduce wait times.

“The Minns Government is increasing availability of healthcare to communities through urgent care services just like this one, which are aimed at bridging the gap between primary care and emergency care, ensuring patients have fast access to the care they need.”

Member for Murray Helen Dalton:

“I welcome access to an urgent care service for the residents of Wentworth.

“The new Urgent Care Centre is a win for the community and is the perfect complement for the brand new $30 million Wentworth Hospital.”

Labor Spokesperson for Murray Bob Nanva:

“Importantly, the Urgent Care Centre at Wentworth Hospital will operate from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week.

“This is good news for local families, because illnesses and injuries can happen at any time, any day.”