Minister for Transport Gladys Berejiklian said the state’s Opal electronic ticketing system was last night named Australia’s 2014 Smart Infrastructure Project of the Year.
“Opal is now available at 120 train stations, all Sydney Ferries and on two bus routes – giving thousands of customers access to faster and more convenient travel,” Ms Berejiklian said.
Opal was recognised for excellence in the design, delivery and use of smart infrastructure at the annual Infrastructure Partnerships Australia Awards last night.
“Opal is already proving popular with customers and now it’s great to see the project recognised at a national level by the national infrastructure sector,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“The roll out of Opal is a major step forward for Sydney and this national award reflects the progress we’ve made using smart technology to deliver big wins for customers.”
This is the fourth major accolade for the Opal project, which last year took out the Transport category of the Sydney Design Awards, as well as an Australian International Design Award and a Powerhouse Museum Design Award.
Ms Berejiklian said Opal is transforming the way people catch public transport.
“Opal signals the end of fumbling for coins and ticket queues – customers can link their Opal card to their credit or debit card and never have to worry about buying a ticket again,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“After years of broken promises by Labor, I am proud this Government has been successful in delivering integrated electronic ticketing for commuters.”
Come 2015, 40 ferry wharves, more than 300 train stations and more than 5,000 buses and light rail will have Opal equipment operating in Sydney, the Hunter, Central Coast, the Illawarra, Southern Highlands and the Blue Mountains.
To find out more about Opal and access the many benefits and travel rewards available, visit www.opal.com.au
Opal project wins national infrastructure award (pdf 76KB)