Tap on, tap off, but no Opal top-ups soon

NSW commuters can tap on, tap off, but not top up their Opal cards at train stations.

And they won't be able to any time soon.

While the railway network has been transferred to the electronic ticketing system, many commuters catching the train aren't able to top up their Opal cards at local stations.

And there are no plans for it to change in the near future.

The NSW government on Tuesday celebrated the millionth Opal card being issued but Transport Minister Gladys Berejiklian says installing top up machines on train stations is not a priority.

"I am waiting to see how various stages go before I put a definite time on when vending machines at stations will happen. But they will happen," Ms Berejiklian said.

Ms Berejiklian said between 50 to 60 per cent of commuters are using the automated top-up system while the rest need to visit one of 1300 Opal retailers to put money on their cards.

"The decision to not have tickets sold at train stations lacks common sense," Opposition transport spokesperson Penny Sharpe told AAP.

"The government should be making sure tickets are available at the most logical place, which would be at the train station.

Gold Opal cards will be launched by the end of the year but seniors will get the choice to remain on the paper ticket system.

Concession cards won't be available until next year.

With complimentary travel after eight journeys a week, commuters are taking advantage of the system with more than 12 million free fares issued since the cards were introduced.