15,000 Swap to HOP

The initial start to HOP has been a roaring success, Auckland Transport said today, with more than 15,000 bus users on the North Shore swapping their Go Rider card for a new HOP card with a Snapper logo.

Today was the first day public transport commuters began tagging on and tagging off public transport, with the rollout beginning on North Star buses.

The rollout continues in coming weeks on Go West and Waka Pacific services from 22 May followed by Metrolink and LINK services on 6 June. HOP cards are available now from retail outlets.

Go Rider card balances can be transferred to the new HOP card at selected Westfield malls or at Britomart Transport Centre.

Some of the benefits HOP users will soon be enjoying include;

• Saving 10% or more off the normal cash fare

• Faster and easier boarding

• HOP is flexible. You can top up your HOP card with e-money for the greatest flexibility, or load it with 10 trips

• A HOP balance can be protected if it is lost or stolen

• HOP is online. Register your card to protect your balance and create a MyHOP account to access your card's balance, transactions and journey history online.

Auckland Mayor, Len Brown, says, "The HOP card and integrated ticketing is one of the keys to continuing the surge in the growth in public transport patronage in Auckland.

“It is just another measure we are taking to make public transport more convenient, cost effective, comfortable and faster. More people now use public transport than at any time in the past 60 years - I am determined we can double current patronage in the foreseeable future and the HOP card is one way we will do that”.

For more information about HOP, pick up a "Here Comes Hop" leaflet on board your bus, visit myhop.co.nz or call 09 366 4HOP (09 366 4467).

ENDS

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