The NSW Government continues to ride the wave of its public transport revolution with a new electronic payment trial on the iconic Manly ferry set to improve the experience for the more than five million commuters who use the service each year, the Tourism & Transport Forum said today.

TTF Chief Executive, Margy Osmond, congratulated the NSW Government and Transport Minister Andrew Constance on the trial, which will allow customers and tourists catching the F1 service from Circular Quay or Manly to use their Mastercard to tap on and off at the Opal gates.

“The Circular Quay to Manly Ferry is Australia’s most iconic public transport service and is known across the world as one of the best ways to enjoy Sydney Harbour,” Ms Osmond said.

“The roll out of a new contactless payment option will make life easier for the tourists who make up forty per cent of people who catch the Manly Ferry every day by removing the inconvenience of having to queue and top up cards to make the trip.

“This is a welcome first step in what TTF hopes will be the ongoing roll out of open loop ticketing in public transport services across Sydney, which must also include other credit and debit card providers to ensure a level playing field and provide maximum convenience to commuters and visitors alike.”