Opal+ Card Terms and Conditions of Use

WHAT IS THE OPAL PLUS CARD?

1. The Opal+ card is a virtual card designed for use on the electronic ticketing system (Ticketing System) of TfNSW on Public Passenger Services and Private Operator services. The Opal+ card is available only within a Mobile Wallet (such as Samsung Pay, Apple Pay or Google Pay) (Mobile Wallet) of certain supported mobile devices as determined from time to time by the Issuer, including a mobile phone or certain wearable devices such as a smartwatch, (Mobile Device) and is not available in physical card form.
2. Where you provision your Opal+ card to your Mobile Wallet, you also agree to the relevant Mobile Wallet terms and conditions as set out in Appendix A.
3. The Opal+ card can be used on the Ticketing System as a form of ticketing and payment for Public Passenger Services within New South Wales on which an Approved Payment Device is an accepted form of fare payment. In this document, the terms “we”, “us” or “our” refer to the Issuer; and the terms “you” or “your” refer to the person who has ordered, registered and/or used the Opal+ card.

Opal+ card

OPAL PLUS CARD TERMS OF USE

4. Opal+ card Terms of Use: The reference to "Opal+ card Terms of Use" is a reference to these Opal+ card Terms and Conditions of Use as amended from time to time (Opal+ card Terms of Use). These Opal+ card Terms of Use are the terms and conditions that apply to the acquisition, provisioning and use of the Opal+ card.
5. These Opal+ card Terms of Use form an Annexure to the Opal Terms of Use, issued by TfNSW under clause 76 of the Passenger Transport (General) Regulation 2017 and published from time to time in the NSW Government Gazette (Opal Terms of Use) and must be read together with Section 3 of the Opal Terms of Use. A reference to the Transport Digital Terms of Use includes Section 3 of the Opal Terms of Use.
6. Failure to comply with these Opal+ card Terms of Use and the Opal Terms of Use means that you do not hold a valid ticket for travel on Public Passenger Services and you may be subject to a fine.
7. Amendments: We may, at any time, change any part of these Opal+ card Terms of Use or any other information referred to in these Opal+ card Terms of Use, by updating these Opal+ card Terms of Use or other information accordingly on the Opal+ card App. Any such changes will take effect when they are published on the Opal+ card App. If we make any such changes that we consider will adversely affect your use of the Opal+ card in a material way, we will take such steps to notify you of those changes as we consider reasonably appropriate (for example, by including a notice on the Opal+ card App). By continuing to use a Opal+ card after any changes are published on the Opal+ card App, you agree to be bound by those changes. If you do not agree to any such changes, you must refrain from using the Opal+ card.
8. Definitions: In these Opal+ card Terms of Use, the terms below have the following meanings:
   1. Journey means one or more consecutive Trips formed by tap-on and tap-off on the same mode and includes any Transfer between the same mode or between different modes. A Journey is completed upon the earliest of the following:
      1. 4 hours from your first tap on;
      2. 60 minutes from your last tap off;
      3. You exceed the maximum number of Transfers; or
      4. You commence a new Trip without tapping off from the previous Trip (other than travel on the Manly- Circular Quay Ferry Service).
   2. Public Passenger Service means any public passenger service as defined in section 3 of the Passenger Transport Act 1990 where the Ticketing System is operational, excluding private ferry services.
   3. Transfer is where you change between different Public Passenger Services, whether it is the same mode of transport or a different mode, within 60 minutes of your last tap off, to continue a single Journey.
   4. Trip means travel on a Public Passenger Service which commences with a tap on and a tap off.

Worked examples:

• You travel from Redfern to Circular Quay by train (Trip):
• Within 60 minutes of your tap off at Circular Quay train station, you tap on at Circular Quay Ferry Wharf (Transfer) and travel by Sydney Ferry to Balmain Wharf (Trip);
• Within 60 minutes of tapping off at Balmain Wharf, you tap on the 445 bus (Transfer);
• You tap off the bus at Rozelle (Trip);
• Within 60 minutes of tapping off at Rozelle, you tap on the 433 bus (Transfer); and finally
• You tap off the bus at Glebe (Trip).

In this example, your Journey is the end to end travel between Redfern and Glebe and is made up of several Trip and Transfers.

A Journey may include only one single Trip. For example, if you travel by Train from Redfern to Circular Quay and no further travel is taken within 60 minutes of your tap off, the travel is considered concluded and the Journey is complete.

Once the Journey is complete, any subsequent travel is a new Journey.

ACCEPTANCE

9. Acceptance of terms: By ordering, using or registering an Opal+ card in your Mobile Wallet, you agree to be bound by these Opal+ card Terms of Use in force at the time you order, use or register your Opal+ card. If you do not agree to be bound, you must refrain from using the Opal+ card.

DIGITAL CARDS

10. Opal+ cards: EML issues the Opal+ cards which are cards that allow commuters to pay for their Journey either through a subscription service or single-Journey Fare pricing and which are provisioned within the Mobile Wallet of compatible Mobile Devices and accepted only by providers of Public Passenger Services authorised by the Issuer. The Opal+ card is not designed for, or able to be used as, a general purpose payment facility.  You must have your own compatible Mobile Device in order to obtain and use the Opal+ card.  Neither the Issuer, nor TfNSW, will provide you with a Mobile Device, or provide advice, training, support, repairs or other services in relation to your Mobile Device.
11. Property of EML and Other Parties:Opal+ cards are and remain the property of EML as Issuer of the product. TfNSW is and remains the owner of the Opal+ card mobile device application software (Opal+ card App) that is used to obtain an Opal+ card and perform certain functions in relation to its use and Opal Benefits. TfNSW or EML may inspect or request to de-activate an Opal+ card without notice to you at any time.
12. Precondition to using a Opal+ card: You must observe the procedures applicable for your Mobile Device to download, activate, register and add value to an Opal+ card before being able to use it to pay for your first trip. Neither the Issuer, nor TfNSW, will or is able to do so for you, or on your behalf.

ACQUIRING A OPAL PLUS CARD

13. Where to acquire a Opal+ card: You can only acquire a Opal+ card through the Opal+ card App provided by TfNSW.
    
    When acquiring an Opal+ card, you must provide all the information that we deem reasonably necessary to supply you with the Opal+ card.

USE OF OPAL PLUS CARDS

14. You must:
    1. use the Opal+ card and Ticketing System, in accordance with these Opal+ card Terms of Use and the Opal Terms of Use available at https://transportnsw.info/tickets-opal/opal/opal-terms-of-use;
    2. provide us with the information and assistance that we deem reasonably necessary for the effective use of the Opal+ card;
    3. comply with all laws and regulations applicable to your use of the Opal+ card;
    4. only use an Opal+ card on the Ticketing System and not attempt to do so for any other use or purpose;
    5. not misuse, alter or tamper with the Opal+ card;
    6. not attempt to alter the Opal+ card; and
    7. not modify, adapt, translate, disassemble, decompile, reverse engineer, create derivative works of, copy or read, obtain or attempt to discover by any means, any (i) encrypted software or encrypted data contained on an Opal+ card or the Opal+ card App; or (ii) other software or data forming part of the Ticketing System.

CARD PROVISIONING IN YOUR MOBILE WALLET

15. Provisioning an Opal+ card: In order to provision your Opal+ card you must follow the process set out in the Opal+ card App and any instructions for the relevant Mobile Wallet on your Mobile Device. Only one Opal+ card can be linked to a customer profile at any given time on the Opal+ card App.
16. You must register your details and subscribe to one of the Opal+ Subscription Bundles in order to provision your Opal+ card to your Digital Wallet.
17. Confidentiality: You must keep all usernames, passwords, personal identification numbers, security codes and answers to security questions confidential for your Mobile Device and you must not disclose this information to any person. You must not enable any other person, application (including any other mobile application) or system to access your customer profile. Neither the Issuer nor TfNSW are responsible for any loss suffered as a result of you disclosing any information, including any username or password contained in your customer profile to another person, any application (including any mobile application) or any system. You must also keep the Opal+ card and the Mobile Device on which it is stored safe and secure.
18. Card authentication: When interacting with the Ticketing System, you will comply with any authentication procedures that we reasonably require from time to time, which include authentication procedures that may be required by us. If you cannot satisfy any of our authentication requirements, you may not be able to interact with the Ticketing System, even if you have already purchased an Opal+ Bundle.

PAYMENT AND FARES

19. Payment for travel: In connection with your use of an Opal+ card, you are responsible for the payment of all fares for Journeys using your Opal+ card, including those which are not covered by your purchased Opal+ Bundle.  Your Opal+ card will also be used to pay for other applicable Opal travel charges, including but not limited to Airport Station Access Fees, in connection with the use of the Opal+ card.
20. Subscribing to Opal+ Bundles: When provisioning your Opal+ card for the first time, you must subscribe to one of the Opal+ Bundles for Public Passenger Services. You cannot provision your Opal+ card without subscribing to an Opal+ Bundle.
21. To subscribe, you must provide a valid credit or debit card (Nominated Payment Card) in order to purchase your Opal+ Bundle. You authorise us to charge your Nominated Payment Card for the value of the selected Opal+ Bundle and any applicable charges, including fares outside your purchased Opal+ Bundle (see clauses 26 and 33, surcharges (including the Ferry service surcharge at clause 22) and any station access fee (see clause 21).
22. Opal+ Bundles: The following Opal+ Bundles are available to purchase:
    1. Unlimited Travel provides unlimited travel on all Public Passenger Services for 7 days from the date of purchase of your subscription;
    2. Unlimited Weekender provides unlimited travel on Public Passenger Services on a single consecutive Saturday and Sunday;
    3. Anytime Bundles provide a limited number of Journeys within specified distance bands. Bundles may be purchased for 2, 4 or 6 Journeys;
    4. Off-Peak Bundles are identical to the Anytime Bundles, but cannot be used travel during the hours of 6:30am-10am and 3pm-7pm, Monday to Friday, excluding Public Holidays (“Peak Hours”). Journeys taken during Peak Hours will be charged in accordance with the Pay as you Go Fares Table.
23. Station Access Fee: Your Opal+ Bundle does not include the Station Access Fee at Domestic and International Stations. Additional charges apply for the use of those stations and you authorise TfNSW to charge your Nominated Payment Card where you tap on or tap off at those stations.
24. Ferry Surcharge: Journeys taken using an Anytime Bundle or Off-Peak Bundle which include travel on a Ferry service will be subject to an additional surcharge.
25. Subscription Period: Bundles other than the Unlimited Weekender Opal+ Bundle are valid for 7 days and will expire at 4am on the eighth day after purchase. For certainty, if you purchase your Bundle, or your automatic renewal occurs on a Monday, your Bundle will expire upon the at 4am on the following Monday morning. Any unused Journeys remaining in your subscription will be forfeited upon expiry of the Bundle. No refunds will be provided for unused Journeys following the expiry of your Bundle.
26. The Unlimited Weekender Opal+ Bundle is valid from 4am on Saturday morning until 4am on following Monday morning.
27. You cannot renew or upgrade your Opal+ Bundle Subscription during the Subscription Period. If you use all of the included Journeys of your Opal+ Bundle, all additional Journeys will be charged in accordance with the Pay as you Go Fares Table.
28. Exceeding Subscription Inclusions: Where you use your Opal+ card for travel on Public Passenger Services which exceed the scope or inclusions of your Opal+ Bundle, your Nominated Payment Card linked to your Opal+ card will be charged at the applicable rate set out in the Pay as You Go Integrated Fare Table, as determined in the Passenger Transport (Opal & Other Fares) Order 2016.
29. If you have purchased an Anytime Bundle or Off Peak Bundle and exceed the specified distance for any Journey, this will count as one of your included Journeys and you will also be charged the value of the additional distance travelled.
30. Authorisation to Charge: TfNSW will charge your Nominated Payment Card the applicable amount whenever you purchase an Opal+ Bundle, including by way of auto subscription renewal. Your Opal+ card does not hold a balance and TfNSW will only charge you the applicable Opal+ Bundle price. You authorise TfNSW to charge your Nominated Payment Card in accordance with this clause 28.
31. You also authorise TfNSW to charge your Nominated Payment Card any charges you incur for Journeys which exceed the limits or inclusions of your Opal+ Bundle. Multiple charges for any single day may be combined and charged to your Nominated Payment Card in a single transaction as part of TfNSW’s daily banking reconciliation process.
32. Tap on and tap off When using your Opal+ card to pay for a trip you must tap on at the beginning of your trip and tap off at the end of your trip at an Opal Card Reader, except in the case of Ferry services to and from Manly or as otherwise advised by us. If you fail to tap on or tap off as required, the Ticketing System is unable to ascertain where you entered or exited the public transport network, as the case may be, and you will be charged the maximum default fare for the Journey.
33. Multiple use not permitted: You can only use an Opal+ card for one trip at a time. You must not tap on twice with the same Opal+ card to pay for another person’s trip.
34. Tap on and Tap off at the one location: You are permitted to tap on and then tap off at the same location if you no longer intend to make a Journey (“Tap On Reversal”). You must tap off within 15 minutes at the same location for the tap on to be reversed, except for travel on a Bus service. Once a Bus departs the stop, you can no longer perform a Tap On Reversal.
35. Travel without Valid Subscription: If you do not have a valid Opal+ Bundle subscription, you can still use your Opal+ card for travel. Travel on Public Passenger Services will be charged in accordance with the Pay as You Go Integrated Fare Table. You authorise TfNSW to charge your Nominated Payment Card for any charges incurred.
36. Auto Renewal: When you set up an "auto subscription renewal" for your Opal+ card within the Opal+ card App, you are authorising us to automatically renew your current subscription upon the expiry of your previous Opal+ Bundle and charge your Nominated Payment Card the applicable charge of the Bundle. You can amend or cancel your auto subscription at any time. Changes will be applied prior to the next auto subscription renewal commencing. You cannot cancel or obtain a refund for activated Bundles.

INSUFFICIENT FUNDS

37. Valid Nominated Payment Card required: You must ensure that your Nominated Payment Card is valid and has available funds for all fares and charges.
38. You must immediately update your Nominated Payment Card details within the Opal+ card App if your card is cancelled or expired.
39. Insufficient Funds for Opal+ Purchases: TfNSW will charge your Nominated Payment Card in accordance with the authorisations you grant under these Opal+ card Terms of Use. If you attempt to purchase an Opal+ Bundle (including by way of auto subscription renewal) with a Nominated Payment Card which is invalid for any reason or does not have sufficient funds available, the transaction will be cancelled and your Opal+ Bundle will not be valid.
40. Insufficient Funds for other Charges: Where TfNSW unsuccessfully attempts to impose additional charges (eg, for travel outside the inclusions of your Opal+ Bundle) in accordance with the authorisation provided by you under these Opal+ card Terms and Conditions, due to an invalid Nominated Payment Card (including insufficient funds), you will owe the outstanding amount to TfNSW as a recoverable debt.
41. TfNSW will suspend your current Opal+ Bundle until such time as all outstanding debts are cleared and you will not be able to use your Opal+ card for travel. TfNSW will not provide any refund for unused components of any Opal+ Bundle as a result of your Opal+ card being suspended due to outstanding debts.
42. To clear outstanding debts to TfNSW, you must use the functionality within the Opal+ card App to pay any amount owed and update your Nominated Payment Card if required. Once payment has been processed, your Opal+ card will be activated again within 60 minutes.
43. If you do not make payment for outstanding debts, TfNSW is entitled to commence a debt recovery processes, including subsequent attempts to charge your Nominated Payment Card at later dates.
44. You must not use your Opal+ card to travel where the Opal Card Reader declines a tap on.
45. TfNSW is entitled to also recover any charges, fees or other expenses imposed or incurred (such as bank fees) as a result of any failed or rejected transaction.

THIRD PARTY MOBILITY PROVIDERS

46. TfNSW has entered into arrangements with a number of private transport operators and providers, such as ride-share operators, bike share operators and taxi providers (“Third Party Mobility Providers”) to provide integrated transport solutions at discounted or beneficial rates for Opal+ card users, available only through the Opal+ card App.
47. You may purchase Opal+ Bundle add-on packages (“Add-on Packs”) that entitles you to take advantage of the discounted or beneficial rates offered by the Third Party Mobility Providers. These are purchased within the Opal+ card App.
48. Purchase of Add-on Packs: You may select one or multiple add-on packs to accompany your Opal+ Bundle, either when you purchase (including auto subscription renewal) your Opal+ Bundle or at any time while your Bundle is valid. You cannot purchase an Add-on Pack without a valid Opal+ Bundle.
49. Use of Add-on Packs: The purchase of an Add-On Pack does not immediately entitle you to travel using the Third Party Mobility Providers services. You must book using the functionality in the Opal+ card App or through the Third Party Mobility Provider app.
50. When you use the trip plan functionality within the Opal+ card App, you will be presented with options for each segment of your Journey, including Third Party Mobility Providers. You may select any of the Third Party Mobility Provider options and book and pay using the following the prompts. There are two ways in which you can book and pay, depending on the level of integration supported by the Third Party Mobility Provider:
    1. In App Book and Pay: Where this option is available, you will be able to book and pay the Third Party Mobility Provider directly from within the Opal+ card App. If you have purchased an Add-on Pack, any discounts or benefits will be applied (subject to entry of any relevant details or codes by you, whenever required); or
    2. Hand Off Book and Pay: will redirect you to the Third Party Mobility Provider’s app in order to finalise the booking. If you do not have the Third Party Mobility Provider’s app, you will be required to download the app and follow all prompts to your device in order to complete the booking. You will be required to enter any codes or references provided as part of your Add-on Pack to receive eligible discounts and make payment using a valid payment method.
        
51. If you fail to enter the discount code or details as required when making the booking, you will not receive the discounted value. Neither TfNSW, EML nor the Third Party Mobility Provider will provide any compensation or refund where the discount is not applied.
52. Add-on Packs are valid only for the period or number of trips stated when purchasing the pack. Neither TfNSW nor the Third Party Mobility Provider is liable or responsible to provide a refund for any unused or unutilised benefits or discounts provided by the Add-on Pack.
53. TfNSW is not a Third Party Mobility Provider: When you book with a Third Party Mobility Provider, regardless of whether it is booked via the In App Book and Pay option or the Hand Off Book and Pay Option, you form a contract directly with that Third Party Mobility Provider for the provision of the transport service. TfNSW is not a Third Party Mobility Provider and is not a party to any contract formed between you and the Third Party Mobility Provider.
54. When booking with a Third Party Mobility Provider, you agree to be bound by their applicable terms of carriage, including the payment of any tolls, charges or fees (including but not limited to cancellation fees or vehicle cleaning fees).

TfNSW DISCLAIMER AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

55. You agree and acknowledge that TfNSW is not responsible for the conduct or operation of the Third Party Mobility Provider and that any action, claim or dispute regarding the service or conduct must be directed to the Third Party Mobility Provider.
56. You acknowledge that the Third Party Mobility Provider information and pricing estimates are provided directly by the Third Party Mobility Provider and made available to you through the Opal+ card App. TfNSW does not warrant the accuracy, validity or suitability of the Third Party Mobility Provider information and price estimates. You are responsible for reviewing the information made available and forming your own decision as to suitability and accuracy when making the booking.
57. The Third Party Mobility Provider information and price estimates are sourced directly from the Third Party Mobility Provider and are current at the time of the trip planning functionality being utilised. All information and price estimates are subject to change in accordance with the relevant terms and conditions of the Third Party Mobility Provider, prior to the finalisation of your booking. TfNSW is not liable or responsible for any increase or change in pricing from the time of the initial trip plan being created and the finalisation of any Third Party Mobility Provider booking.
58. All information and price estimates, including Third Party Mobility Provider data, are for general information purposes only and should not be viewed as financial guidance or advice. TfNSW does not provide any recommendation or advice regarding the most cost effective or appropriate form of travel to complete your travel. You are required to form your own decision as to most appropriate means to complete your travel.
59. TfNSW disclaims, to the extent permitted by law, all warranties, representations or endorsements, express or implied, with regard to the information contained or made available through the Opal+ card App. This includes but is not limited to, all implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement in respect of any Third Party Mobility Provider services. TfNSW does not warrant or accept any liability in relation to the quality, operability or accuracy of any Third Party Mobility Provider information contained or made available through the Opal+ card App.
60. The Opal+ card App contains links to other internet sites or app, such as the Third Party Mobility Provider Apps. TfNSW do not warrant or represent that linked sites or apps are complete, current, reliable or free from error.
61. You must take all reasonable and necessary steps to ensure your own safety when travelling or following directions provided by the Opal+ App, including but not limited to, complying with all road rules and observing all conditions of carriage for the relevant transport operator. TfNSW does not accept responsibility or liability for any loss, damage, cost or expense you might incur as a result of the use of or reliance upon information available through the Opal+ card App or by the use of any Third Party Mobility Provider services.

PERKS PROVIDERS

62. TfNSW has entered into arrangements with a number of third party service providers, such as accommodation and flight booking platforms, cinemas and cafes (“Perks Providers”) to provide discounted offers for Opal+ card users (“Perks Offers”).
63. You may receive Perks Offers through email communications from TfNSW or via the Transport Connect webpage.
64. Redeeming the offer: You may redeem one or multiple Perks Offers at any time prior to the expiry date of the relevant Perks Offer by clicking the offer and redeeming by way of the redemption method as specified in the Perks Offer, which may include:
    1. bar/QR codes;
    2. promotion codes;
    3. hyperlink to the Perks Provider’s discounted website; or
    4. presenting your Opal+ card to the Perks Provider
65. When you redeem the Perks Offer, you acknowledge and agree to the Perks Providers conditions of offer as set out in the Perks Offer.
66. Being a holder of an Opal+ Card does not immediately entitle you to the Perks Providers’ services at the discounted rate. You must redeem the offer using the redemption method specified in the Perks Offer.
67. If you fail to follow the redemption method as specified in the Perks Offer enter the discount code or details as required when making the booking, you will not receive the discounted value. Neither TfNSW, EML nor the Perks Provider will provide any compensation or refund where the discount is not applied.
68. TfNSW is not a Perks Provider: When you book with a Perks Provider, you form a contract directly with that Perks Provider for the provision of the service. TfNSW is not a Perks Provider and is not a party to any contract formed between you and the Perks Provider.
69. When booking with a Perks Provider, you agree to be bound by their terms and conditions as specified in the Perks Offer.

TfNSW DISCLAIMER AND LIMITATON OF LIABILITY

70. You agree and acknowledge that TfNSW is not responsible for the conduct or operation of the Perks Provider and that any action, claim or dispute regarding the service or conduct must be directed to the Perks Provider.
71. TfNSW disclaims, to the extent permitted by law, all warranties, representations or endorsements, express or implied, with regard to the information contained or made available through the Perks Providers. This includes but is not limited to, all implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement in respect of any Perks Provider services. TfNSW does not warrant or accept any liability in relation to the quality, operability or accuracy of any Perks Mobility Provider information contained or made available through the email communications from TfNSW or via the Transport Connect webpage.
72. The Perks Offers may contains links to other internet sites or app, such as the Perks Provider’s discounted website. TfNSW do not warrant or represent that linked sites or apps are complete, current, reliable or free from error.
73. TfNSW does not accept responsibility or liability for any loss, damage, cost or expense you might incur as a result of the use of or reliance upon information available through the Perks Provider’s services.

TRANSFER OF YOUR DIGITAL CARD

74. No transfer: You must not sell, or offer to sell, an Opal+ card on a Mobile Device to another person. We may cancel any Opal+ card that is transferred in breach of this clause at any time without notice.

REFUNDS

75. Opal Refund and Balance Transfer Policy: TfNSW will not provide refunds for any used Journeys or Add On Pack inclusions. If you believe you have been incorrectly charged, you may apply for a refund in accordance with the Opal Refund and Balance Transfer Policy

CANCELLATION AND EXPIRATION

75. Cancellation: We may cancel an Opal+ card if we or TfNSW:
    1. are satisfied that the device on which it is stored is lost, stolen, or if the Opal+ card is faulty;
    2. are satisfied that you have not complied with any of the provisions of these Opal+ card Terms of Use or if we reasonably suspect that an offence under the Passenger Transport Act 1990 may have been or may be committed by you or someone using the Opal+ card; or
    3. deem it reasonable to do so for the purposes of providing efficient and effective ticketing services.
76. Card Expiration: An Opal+ card will expire 3 years from the date it is provisioned by you (Planned Expiry). However, we may expire an Opal+ card earlier if we have reasonable grounds to do so (for example, if changes in the Opal+ card App, Mobile Device or other technology results in failures prior to their date of Planned Expiry) (Unplanned Expiry).
77. Notice of expiry: We will notify you through the Opal+ card App as the expiry of your Opal+ card approaches.
78. Inability to use: You will not be able to use any Opal+ card that has been suspended, cancelled or has expired.