Transport concession error

The University is responsible sharing details of students to Transport for NSW, with their consent, to enable eligible students to apply for a transport concession (reduced public transport fares). We have identified an error in our reporting, meaning some students who were not eligible for a concession may have been able to access a transport concession.

How will I know if I am no longer eligible for a Concession Opal card?

The University has contacted impacted students by email with more information. You will also receive an email from Opal Customer Care with information about your Concession Opal card being blocked.

Can I be fined for previously using a Concession Opal card?

You won't be fined for previous travel using your Concession Opal card.

However, if you receive an email we recommend you stop using your Concession Opal card to tap on and off public transport immediately. For future travel, please use an Adult Opal card or a credit/debit card to tap on and tap off. Contactless transport payments are charged as an Adult fare. As your eligibility for concession travel via the University is no longer valid, Transport for NSW will begin the process of blocking your Concession Opal card, however it will still be active and able to be used for travel until its expiry, as per the information provided to you by Transport for NSW.

Why aren’t I eligible for a travel concession?

Transport for NSW determine the eligibility for travel concessions, you can find out more about eligibility on their website.

I'm a domestic student, why aren't I eligible for a travel concession?

• Check you have provided your consent for us to share your details with Transport for NSW. We cannot share your eligibility without your consent. Log in to Sydney Student (go to 'My details, 'Personal details').
• Check your address details are up to date in Sydney Student (go to ‘My details’, then ‘Address and residency’).

Find out more about travel concessions and how to apply on our website.

Why was I able to access a travel concession if I wasn’t eligible?

Unfortunately, we recently identified a technical error which meant we reported some students as being eligible for Transport for NSW’s concession entitlement when they are not.

We can assure you that we have now rectified the issue that caused the error in our reporting. We have notified Transport for NSW and are updating the information for students who were reported incorrectly.

The Student portal showed I was eligible for an Opal concession, is that correct?

Due to the technical error that occurred, the Student portal also displayed Opal concession incorrectly for impacted students. If you have been contacted by the University to advise that you were impacted by the error in our reporting, this means that your Opal concession would have also displayed incorrectly in the Student portal.

I have also received an email from Opal Customer Care, what does this mean?

Opal Customer Care sends an email to anyone who no longer meets the eligibility requirements for a Concession Opal card. Due to the error in our reporting, you would have previously been able to access a transport concession. When we rectified this error and reported information correctly, your status would have changed to identify you are not eligible. Your current Concession Opal card will be blocked. You can find out more about what happens when your Concession Opal card is blocked.

Can I transfer funds from a Concession Opal card to my new adult Opal card?

For a step-by-step guide to transferring your Opal card balance online, please visit the Transport for NSW website.

How can I access further support?

The University has a range of wellbeing and support services available to support our students while they study. You can find out more about the services and resources available on our website.