Mastercard and Transport for NSW in Australia has launched a trial for contactless ticketing payment to Sydney Ferries on the F1 Manly to Circular Quay service, according to a press release.

In an Australian first, commuters can use their MasterCard contactless card or mobile wallets that have enabled MasterCard cards to pay for fares, according to the release.

"Australians are continuously embracing digital payment technology, with 82 percent using tap-and-go to make payments every week. This indicates that many recognize the benefits of faster and more convenient payment methods, so it makes good sense to extend this option to transport," Doug Howe, vice president of travel and transit development for MasterCard, said in the release.

MasterCard said this trial in Australia builds on the success of the company working with over 100 cities worldwide to enable contactless or mobile payments on public transport services.

Most recently, MasterCard worked with Singapore's Land Transport Authority to implement the first contactless ticketing payment program for transit agencies in the Asia-Pacific region. The Transport for NSW trial brings the contactless technology product to public transport in Australia for the first time.