ARTA Media Release
30 November 2007

Swipe-On, Swipe-Off Single Ticket And Cheaper Fares On Way For Auckland Commuters

The Auckland Regional Transport Authority (ARTA) today took the next step in the delivery of an integrated fares system and single ticket for Auckland’s train, bus and ferry users.

A Request for Tender (RFT) was issued by ARTA today, inviting proposals for an integrated fares and ticketing solution for Auckland’s public transport services. The RFT is open to local and international suppliers.

The new single ticket will be a smartcard that will allow commuters in the Auckland region to travel on any form of public transport using just one ticket, utilising a simple swipe-on, swipe-off system. The ticket is due to be delivered in just over two years’ time, in 2010.

The RFT asks suppliers to provide a complete solution, including the design, development, manufacture, installation, testing and ongoing management and operation of the system for ARTA.

The system will include automated gates, smartcard readers onboard buses and ferries, smartcard reload devices at selected rail and bus stations and ferry wharves, and the supply of all computer hardware, software, networks and communications.

ARTA’s Chief Executive, Fergus Gammie says, “This is a significant project for Auckland’s public transport system. Currently, Auckland’s commuters are faced with potentially having to carry a bewildering array of tickets when they take public transport.

“Each public transport operator has their own individual multi-trip and concession tickets, which can’t be used on another operator’s service. Often the tickets and concessions differ depending on the operator providing them, which is simply the way the system has evolved in Auckland.

“Now, as we work with our operators to develop an effective, efficient and reliable public transport system for Auckland, the introduction of a single ticket by ARTA will make it even easier for commuters to choose to use public transport.

“ARTA’s single ticket will also offer some very attractive fare reductions in comparison to cash purchase of tickets.”

Mr Gammie says the card will be similar to London’s Oyster card and Hong Kong’s Octopus card. Like the Oyster card, ARTA plans to initially implement core functions and progressively phase in additional functionality.

“While paper tickets will still be available, once the single ticket is introduced, it will be the main ticket medium for Auckland.

“Passengers using the smartcard will pay for their travel using ‘Stored Value’, an electronic record of the value that has been loaded onto the card. Each time the card is used for travel, the system will automatically calculate the fare for the journey and will deduct the value from the card.

“Commuters will be able to buy the smartcard from station booking offices, retail agents and via a customer contact centre,” says Mr Gammie.

The tender is open until 29 February 2008.

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