7 September 2021
A high-tech approach to public transport ticketing will make it easier for people to pay for trips on public transport anywhere in the country. This flexible, modern, new ticketing system will aim to encourage more people to use public transport more often. It’ll ultimately contribute to reducing Aotearoa | New Zealand’s carbon emissions and improving safety on our roads, as public transport is one of the safest ways to travel.
The National Ticketing Programme will establish a single ticketing system for public transport (bus, train and ferry) across Aotearoa | New Zealand. It’ll provide a better experience for everyone who uses public transport and make it easier for Public Transport Authorities to improve their networks.
People will be able to use their contactless bank card or a digital equivalent (for example, Google Pay) already in their pocket to pay for trips. A national transit card will also be available for those that need one.
Smart technology in the back office (shared between participating organisations) will calculate the best fare based on where customers tag on and off. It will aggregate the total cost of a person’s journeys, apply the best available fare and charge it to their card at the end of each day. People will also be able to access better information about their trips digitally.
Better data about public transport use will help Public Transport Authorities make the most of their network design, scheduling and fares. It’ll also provide them with more flexibility to act on insights and make cost-effective changes to public transport networks and services.
Currently in the procurement phase, known as Project NEXT, the National Ticketing Solution is being advanced collaboratively by Waka Kotahi, Auckland Transport, Greater Wellington Regional Council, Environment Canterbury Regional Council and the Regional Consortium (made up of the nine regions operating the Bee Card).
Looking wider, as part of the 2021–24 National Land Transport Programme, more than $5.8 billion will be invested in projects that encourage people across the country to travel in more environmentally sustainable ways.
