Opal Card fare slug costs users $40 million a year

It has become a $40 million slush fund for the NSW government.

Bus, train and ferry passengers are being slugged the maximum fare on their journey, which is an average 750,000 times a month.

This figure is earning the state government more than $40 million in the past year.

Opal default fares have become big business and although commuters can apply for a refund if they have forgotten to tap-off or the card reader was faulty, the government is handing back less money in refunds.

Data released exclusively to 9NEWS in the 12 months to May 2018, the default or maximum fare was charged almost nine million times (8,911,869).

The worst month was March this year when it was charged 848,775 times.

The value of those trips was $40,180,277.

While some of that money represents the actual fare, a large chunk doesn't.

Commuters can ask Opal for a refund but in that same 12-month period, only $200,000 ($201,169) was refunded to disgruntled customers.

And the situation is getting worse for users.

In the previous 12 months (the 12 months to May 2017), the maximum fare was charged 8,557,311 times worth $36,424,779.

But more was refunded than last year - $216,703.

So in the past year, more people have been slugged the default maximum fare, worth more money but they have received less in refunds.

If you have forgotten to tap-off or the card reader was not working, you need to log in to your Opal account and fill out the default fare inquiry form.

If it is an unregistered Opal Card, you can use the enquiries and feedback form online or call Opal Customer Care on 13OPAL (136725).

THE NUMBERS

Year to May 2018:

Default fare charged: 8,911,869 times

Value of default fares: $40,180,277

Value of refunds: $201,169

Month of highest value of default fares: March 2018 - $3,889,048

Month of largest refund: June 2017 - $25,777

Year to May 2017:

Default fare charged: 8,557,311 times

Value of default fares: $36,424,779

Value of refunds: $216,703

Month of highest value of default fares: December 2016 - $3,431,934

Month of largest refund: December 2016 - $36,433