Transport Minister Steven Joyce has issued a statement welcoming the rollout of integrated ticketing in Auckland, in response to the new HOP smartcard launched in this city this afternoon.
The card will be transferable across all modes of public transport in the city. Joyce says in the statement: “Integrated ticketing is an important part of establishing a more efficient, effective and user-friendly public transport system.
“As I’ve said a number of times before, if we’re serious about supporting the growth of our largest city we need all our transport modes working efficiently. The government is making a record investment in Auckland’s rail commuter network and in public transport services, at the same time as we’re making a record investment in the city’s motorway network.
“Integrated ticketing is about ensuring we get the very best results from our very large investment in public transport.
“Deployment of equipment on NZ Bus services is just the first step, with the expansion of integrated ticketing on rail and ferry services next on the agenda for Auckland. Work is on track for delivering the first phase of Auckland's integrated ticketing on rail in the middle of this year.
“The smartcard technology will mean passengers can travel across a city or region using buses, trains and ferries while getting the best available fare for their journey. What’s more, public transport users will enjoy fast and convenient ticketing. “It is great to see Auckland Transport working collaboratively with operators to lead the way in delivering an efficient and effective public transport system for their region.
“Auckland commuters will be the first to benefit from the new national integrated ticketing approach and I hope to see other regions follow," he says.
The intergrated ticket is being provided by global vendor Thales, but local provider Snapper is also involved, and is the first third-party provider to utilise the Thales system.
Snapper appealed the initial awarding of the contract to Thales, but the two firms are now working together.