Media Release

23 May 2013

Investigation Into Integrated Ticketing For Wellington Public Transport

Greater Wellington Regional Council, with the support of the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA), has begun a detailed investigation into an integrated ticketing system for Wellington region’s bus, train and harbour ferry services.

Peter Glensor, Chair of the Regional Council’s Economic Wellbeing Committee, says integrated ticketing will enable people to use just one card for all public transport services.

“So, for instance, if you live in Wainuiomata and work in Newtown, you would use just one card for the three different trips involved. There’ll be no need to buy separate tickets or use different cards - taking public transport will be easier and more convenient.

“And for NZTA and the Regional Council, who are responsible for funding and planning public transport in the region, integrated ticketing will make setting fares simpler and give us more accurate and detailed information about public transport journeys to help us with planning and service performance.”

He says the investigation will take about a year. “There’s a lot involved in bringing together the various fare payment and collection systems for all bus, train and ferry services. This investigation will show us exactly what will be required and will give us the information we need to finalise the business case, secure funding and organise tendering for the development of an integrated ticketing system.”

Lyndon Hammond, NZTA’s Regional Manager Planning and Investment, says the Wellington investigation links well to NZTA’s wider national integrated ticketing programme.

“Using the central processing system and national standards developed for Auckland in Wellington will provide an opportunity to get the best value investment for all parties.”

“An effective integrated ticketing system will take the fuss out of taking the bus, train or harbour ferry, which will help to make public transport a more attractive option for people. And by increasing patronage, there are also flow on effects of making our whole transport system more efficient and supporting Wellington’s continued growth.”

After the investigation, the next stage for Wellington’s integrated ticketing system will be detailed design and procurement. Tenders would be sought around 2016.

The Regional Council and NZTA will work with public transport customers, operators, interest groups and communities to keep people informed and get feedback throughout the project.

ENDS

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