Commuters across Sydney have unwittingly donated a staggering fortune to the state's transport network, with revelations that more than $70 million sits untouched on forgotten Opal cards.
The eye-watering sum represents funds from over 12 million inactive travel cards that haven't been used for at least 12 months, according to data obtained from Transport for NSW.
The Digital Piggy Bank Sydney Forgot
While many residents diligently top up their Opal cards for daily commutes, thousands appear to have completely forgotten about their digital travel wallets. The accumulated balance has become an unexpected financial boon for the state's transport system.
A Transport for NSW spokesperson confirmed the massive figure, stating: "There are currently more than 12 million registered Opal cards that have not been used in the past 12 months, with a total balance of more than $70 million."
How Did This Happen?
Several factors contribute to this growing mountain of forgotten funds:
- Tourist cards: Visitors often leave with small balances remaining
- Replacement cards: Commuters switching to new cards forget old balances
- Lifestyle changes: People moving away or changing jobs
- Small balances: Amounts considered too insignificant to reclaim
What Happens to the Money?
Unlike some jurisdictions where unused funds eventually revert to the state, Transport for NSW maintains that the money remains available to cardholders whenever they choose to use their cards again.
The spokesperson emphasised: "The balance remains available on the card for when the customer next chooses to use it."
A Warning for Regular Commuters
With the Opal system expanding beyond public transport to include services like ferries, light rail, and even some parking facilities, the potential for forgotten balances continues to grow.
Regular users are advised to check their card balances through the official Opal travel app or website, particularly if they possess multiple cards or haven't travelled recently.
The situation serves as a stark reminder to Sydney residents to keep track of their digital wallets, ensuring their hard-earned money doesn't become part of the next million-dollar revelation.
