Generally, whether someone else can use your Opal card depends on the type of Opal card it is.
Can Someone Else Use Your Opal Card?
The ability to lend or transfer an Opal card to another person varies significantly based on whether the card offers specific concessions or benefits.
Free and Concession Opal Cards
No, a Free Opal Card cannot be used by anyone else. These cards are strictly personal and are issued to a specific individual based on their eligibility for free travel. It is a firm requirement that Free Opal Cards are not transferable and must only be used by the person to whom the card was issued. You are explicitly prohibited from allowing any other person to use your Free Opal Card.
Similarly, Concession Opal Cards (e.g., for students, seniors, job seekers) are linked to a specific person's eligibility and often require proof of entitlement. While the provided reference specifically details Free Opal Cards, the principle of personal use generally extends to concession cards due to the personalised nature of the benefits they provide. Attempting to use a concession card when not entitled to that concession can result in fines and card confiscation.
Standard Adult and Child/Youth Opal Cards
For standard Adult Opal cards and Child/Youth Opal cards (that are not concession or free), the situation is more flexible. These cards are not tied to a specific named individual in the same way as free or concession cards.
- Single User Per Journey: A standard Opal card can be used by different people at different times for separate journeys. For example, you might use your card in the morning, and a family member could use the same card later in the day for their own separate journey, provided there's sufficient balance.
- One Card, One Person: However, an Opal card can never be used for more than one person on the same journey simultaneously. Each person travelling must have their own valid Opal card, contactless payment, or single trip ticket. Tapping on once and attempting to travel with two or more people is considered fare evasion.
Key Differences in Opal Card Usage
Understanding the type of Opal card you possess is crucial for its correct use and to avoid issues.
| Opal Card Type | Transferable? | Usage Rules |
|---|---|---|
| Free Opal Card | No, strictly prohibited. | Must only be used by the person to whom it was issued. Not transferrable. |
| Concession Opal Card | No, generally prohibited. | Linked to individual eligibility; requires proof. Not for general transfer. |
| Standard Adult Opal Card | Yes, for separate journeys. | Can be used by different individuals for their own, distinct trips. One person per tap-on. |
| Child/Youth Opal Card | Yes, for separate journeys. | Can be used by different children/youth for their own, distinct trips. One person per tap-on. |
Practical Implications
- Fare Collection: The Opal system calculates fares based on tap-on and tap-off data for a single journey. Sharing a card for simultaneous travel disrupts this system.
- Eligibility: Free and Concession cards are tied to a person's specific entitlement. Misuse can lead to penalties, including fines and cancellation of benefits.
- Convenience: For most standard adult users, having an individual Opal card simplifies travel, ensures correct fare calculation, and allows for personalized travel history tracking through online accounts.
In summary, while standard Opal cards offer some flexibility for use by different individuals at different times, Free Opal Cards are strictly personal and cannot be transferred or used by anyone other than the cardholder.
