The Maitland Railway Cafe and the newsagent Beresfield Newspower are the only two places in this region where people can buy the new Opal transport cards.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The cards can also be ordered from Opal in the mail, with people able to use their credit cards to load the cards with money.
But Wallsend MP and opposition spokeswoman for Hunter Sonia Hornery said the rollout of the Opal cards was a disgrace.
“It is a sad day when a new system is put in place and commuters cannot conveniently get access to it,” Ms Hornery said.
“Outlets where the cards are available are few and far between and, in some cases, up to 120km away. How is this encouraging people to use public transport?
“For those who rely on public transport, will they be refused use of a service if they cannot travel 120km to get a card?
“It is appalling that the government is saying they will look at installing Opal card machines at train stations.
“This is not rocket science. You should be able to obtain an Opal card at a train station.”
Maitland MP Robyn Parker said: “People should go online, chat to family, visit local retailers or talk to staff at Opal to decide what is best for them.
“Customers who get their Opal card from a retailer can use cash or Eftpos to load a starting value of $10 for adults or $5 for children.
“It can take between five and seven working days to get an Opal card if you order online.
“And it is important that pensioners and seniors remember they can keep buying and using their paper tickets after September 1, after the release of the Gold Senior/Pensioner Opal card later this year – and well into the future.”
- Opal card direct line: 136 725.