Harsh wind and rain didn’t make for the best welcome but inside Lithgow Newsagency Ms Buttrose stopped to chat about the future of using trains, buses and more.

Starting on August 1, paper tickets will no longer be sold or accepted anywhere in the state.

Access to public transport will now be done solely through the Opal card system.

According to the NSW Government 95 per cent of public transport trips in the state are now paid for using Opal and it’s time to pull the plug on paper.

The card itself is free but you have to add money to it at either point of purchase, an Opal top-up machine at specific stations or by setting up automatic payments online.

You can pick an Opal Card up at places like service stations, newsagents and supermarkets.

There is a wait period for receiving a senior’s or student Opal card and Ms Buttrose said getting onto it now would help with the transition.

More information: opal.com.au or phoning 13 67 25.