Anonymous Opal cards now available

Following recent privacy concerns in regards to Opal cards, Transport NSW have opened 28 pop-up kiosks at major train stations where unregistered cards may be purchased.

By Alex Choros

Following recent privacy concerns in regards to Opal cards, Transport NSW have opened 28 pop-up kiosks at major train stations where unregistered cards may be purchased.

Transport NSW's Opal card system has been subject to controversy after it was revealed that the organisation was collecting data from its users, which could be access by the law enforcement agencies without a warrant.

“After a customer has their unregistered Opal card from a kiosk they can load the card with credit and travel anonymously, which is what some customers want,” said NSW Minister for Transport Gladys Berejiklian.

Unregistered Opal cards come pre-loaded with $20 of credit. These can either be topped up at a retailer, or via registering the card online. Registering the card will however remove the user's anonymity.

In addition, unregistered Opal cards will be available for purchase at over 1000 retailers in the coming weeks.

Transport NSW's press release can be viewed here. The press release includes a list of train stations where anonymous Opal Cards are available for purchase. These kiosks will operate until September.