Auckland.Scoop
A consortium of Auckland bus companies has agreed to install hardware necessary for integrated ticketing, according to Auckland Transport. However, NZ Bus is not part of the consortium.

Snapper, owned by NZ Bus’ parent company Infratil, announced on August 27 that it would sue Auckland Transport for terminating its deal to participate in integrated ticketing.

Press Release – Auckland Transport
Auckland Transport said today it was pleased to confirm Auckland’s bus consortium has advised its members will install Thales hardware on their bus fleets as part of the preparation towards Auckland’s integrated ticketing system.

The bus consortium comprises Ritchie’s, Howick and Eastern, Urban Express, Bayes and Birkenhead Transport.

Andrew Ritchie, Chief Executive of Ritchie’s, says, “The bus consortium previously chose Parkeon as its hardware supplier and they have proven themselves to be professional and responsive in their approach to the project. However, in the interests of a seamless approach we have now elected to move to the AT Thales solution which will also be used on trains and ferries”.

Auckland Transport’s Chief Operations Officer, Greg Edmonds, says, “While Auckland Transport is pleased with this decision, it is important to note it is in no way reflective of the ability of Parkeon to deliver the bus solution, more it is about using a single technological supplier to deliver a single solution. We are appreciative of Parkeon’s efforts to date”.

Mr Edmonds confirmed bus operators would commence rollout of the AT HOP system from April next year.

Auckland Transport HOP goes live on Auckland’s trains on 28 October this year and on ferries on 30 November.

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