Rahul Somvanshi
After years of lagging behind city services, more than 400 regional buses across NSW will finally offer contactless payment options by the end of 2027. The rollout follows successful trials in Bathurst and Dubbo where 42% of passengers embraced the cashless option.
Regional Transport Minister Jenny Aitchison announced Wagga Wagga will be the first new community to benefit, with 21 local buses receiving the technology in coming months. The update means regional passengers will soon pay for bus fares using smartphones, watches, credit or debit cards – aligning regional services with metropolitan areas where digital payments have been standard for years.
“The Minns Labor Government has heard people in regional communities who’ve told us they want to be able to pay for bus services using their smart phones, credit or debit cards,” Aitchison said.
She criticized the former government’s approach: “Despite having 12 years to roll out contactless ticketing, the former Liberal and Nationals government put the needs of city commuters ahead of regional bus passengers who were left with cash-only services in most locations.”
The program excludes dedicated school services where students mostly use pre-paid passes and NSW TrainLink long-distance coaches where tickets are pre-purchased.
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Dr. Joe McGirr, Independent Member for Wagga Wagga, welcomed the announcement: “It will provide streamlined travel options for passengers wishing to pay fares with cards or devices but importantly, those who wish to pay by cash will still be able to do so, delivering a diversity of choice which will hopefully encourage more people to use public transport in Wagga.”
Transport for NSW is finalizing details for the next communities to receive the technology as the program expands across the state over the next two years.
The upgrade addresses a longstanding disparity between city and country public transport services. Until now, most regional bus passengers have relied exclusively on cash payments, while metropolitan travelers have enjoyed multiple payment options for years.
Officials hope the increased convenience will boost regional bus ridership as passengers benefit from a more streamlined experience. With many people increasingly going cashless in their daily transactions, the technology update removes a significant barrier for potential passengers who prefer digital payment methods.
The expansion follows the successful Bathurst and Dubbo trials, where the technology will now remain permanently installed. These communities demonstrated strong uptake, with over four in ten passengers choosing contactless payment over cash.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will tap-and-go payments be available on my regional NSW bus? +
Wagga Wagga will be the first community to receive the technology in coming months, with full statewide implementation expected by the end of 2027. Transport for NSW is finalizing details for the next communities in the rollout.
Will I still be able to pay with cash? +
Yes. While the new system adds contactless payment options, cash payments will continue to be accepted on all buses after the technology is installed.
Which payment methods will be accepted? +
Passengers can use smartphones, smart watches, and credit or debit cards with tap-and-go capability. The specific payment apps and card types supported are similar to standard contactless payment systems.
Will school buses get the new payment technology? +
No. The Contactless Ticketing Program does not include dedicated school services where students mostly already use pre-paid bus passes or NSW TrainLink long-distance coach services where tickets are pre-paid.
How successful have the trials been? +
Trials in Bathurst and Dubbo showed strong adoption with 42% of passengers choosing to pay with contactless methods. Based on this success, the technology will remain permanently in these communities.
Will ticket prices change with the new system? +
There’s no indication in the government announcements that ticket prices will change. The update focuses on payment methods rather than fare structure changes.
