Concession travel on the NSW Opal public transport network

ACT Seniors can apply for a Gold Senior/Pensioner Opal Card online ( or by calling Opal on 13 67 25.

From Monday 31 October 2016, Transport Canberra has partnered with Transport NSW to automatically validate ACT seniors' eligibility for concession travel in NSW. Transport NSW has also removed the 60 day expiry on ACT Seniors' Gold Opal Cards.

Please note that this messageis directed to persons who do not have any other concession card. The only way they can get a Gold Opal Card is by relying on their ACT Seniors Card. For further information, see

If you are over 60, a permanent resident of the ACT and working 20 hours or less each week, you are eligible for an ACT Seniors Card and a Gold Opal card, giving you concession travel capped at $2.50 a day[1] across Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Hunter, Illawarra and Southern Highlands.

How to apply

Before you apply, you should check that you have the most recent type of ACT Seniors Card – that is the type that has “My Way” on the reverse side. This card has a nine digit number on it. You will have to enter that number during the application process and will not be able to finalise your application for the Gold Opal Card without that number.

The web page is . Find the reference to “Order an Opal Card”. Below that there is a small Gold Opal Card diagram with “Senior/Pensioner” written beside it. Click on the Gold Opal Card diagram and then follow the prompts as they come up.

Please note also that the actual card costs nothing. However before you are able to use it you will have “add value” to the card. You will also be prompted to enter an amount of credit on the card as part of the application process. Another part of the process is that when you receive your card in the mail, you will have to activate the card. SCOA has found this process quite user friendly.

OPAL card registration not working?

  • How many numbers are on your Seniors Card? The new system requires your card to have nine numbers to be processed. If you have an older card with five numbers you will need to upgrade your card.
  • When did you apply for your Seniors Card? It takes up to 7 business days for the Transport Canberra and NSW Opal Card databases to sync details.

COTA’s text:

ACT seniors no long have to apply using paper-based application forms for a Gold Opal Card. Apply by visiting: or call Opal on 13 67 25.

What do ACT Seniors Card holders need before they apply?

To complete your application you will need:

  • First and last name exactly as Transport Canberra has them on file
  • Date of birth
  • Seniors Card identification number.

OPAL card registration not working?

  • How many numbers are on your Seniors Card? The new system requires your card to have nine numbers to be processed. If you have an older card with five numbers you will need to upgrade your card.
  • When did you apply for your Seniors Card? It takes up to 7 business days for the Transport Canberra and NSW Opal Card databases to sync details.

If you have confirmed all of this and your registration is not processing you will need to confirm your card validity (see section above 'Why is my Seniors / MyWay Card not working"). This can be done through the COTA ACT Office on 6282 3777.

Recent Changes to Applications for the NSW Gold Opal Card

[1]Excludes Sydney Airport Station access fee