On Monday the Mercury ran a story that raised the possibility of that free parking in the Wollongong train station car park could come to an end – unless you’re a commuter.

The government is trialling technology in Sydney car parks that would see those catching public transport get free parking by swiping their Opal card when they leave.

Those parkers not catching a bus or train would have to pay.

If successful, the technology could come to the Wollongong car park where one in four spaces are taken up by people not catching a train.

That possibility didn’t sit well with some readers who left comments on the Mercury’s Facebook page.

“Well that sucks – where are Wollongong city workers supposed to park?” asked Natalie Knight.

Chrystal Jewel Brennan agreed with the parking problems.

“So where are all these people going to park anyway seeing as though it's already hard to get a spot paying or not?” she asked.

But Chris Stratton was a big fan of an Opal-activated car park at Wollongong.

“Great idea – bring it on,” Mr Stratton said.

Lalita Sitnikoska suggested it wasn’t just office workers but also nearby residents who were taking up spaces in the car park.

A number of people mistakenly blamed Wollongong City Council, even though it’s Transport for NSW that is responsible for the car park.

Tony Prescott saw another option to driving into the city every day.

“The Gong Shuttle is for you workers to park and ride into the CBD,” Mr Prescott said.

“Be fair to train commuters and don't steal their parking.”