Wow! So Auckland is making preparations for becoming a better, more functional city in terms of its public transport. About time. Every other city i have been to has an integrated ticket system that gets you onto multiple forms of transport. It is the most amazing thing when you are a visitor to the city but also imagine how convenient it would be not having to think about whether or not your card works on this bus, that ferry or that train.
When I was in London last year I came across the "oyster card" which is a 'smart card' that can be used on all the buses, trains and tubes throughout the region. AMAZING! I also discovered a similar pass in Sydney, although this was simply an all access day pass it was still an incredible thing for myself as a tourist to have.
The HOP is Auckland's new 'smart card' that one can only assume is being released in time for the rugby world cup to make the city more accessible as well as more user friendly for the influx of tourists we are going to receive (especially now that we will be getting the games from Christchurch too!).
Our Minister of Transport, Stephen Joyce has been quoted saying "integrated ticketing is an important part of establishing a more efficient, effective and user-friendly public transport system." (TVNZ, 04 April)
All I can say is it is about it was established in Auckland and eventually New Zealand! Bring on a better system that is reliable and efficient!
All going to plan, the Hop will end up being a nationwide integrated ticketing system that makes public transport more affordable and justified- the same system across the country will introduce some continuity throughout the cities and make life not only easier for us as kiwis but for all those tourists that visit here every year.
I can't help but think about the system going out to where I live in Howick... sure a change in price may encourage a few more people to ride the bus towards the city centre BUT the main issue is the length of time it takes to travel. The Hop card will not solve this and I feel as though the government is overlooking this as an issue. Areas surrounding Howick such as Flat Bush are one of the major places of growth in Auckland at the moment with a huge amount of migrants moving into the area every year. Should we not be also focusing on the infrastructure for public transport as well as an integrated ticketing system to make it truly effective?
The main reason for London's oyster card being so effective and convenient is because the card is useful to everyone and the entire city is actually connected by an extensive public transport network.
Perhaps the Minister and the government should be thinking about things like bus lanes from the outer city suburbs to improve the speed of public transport before they start talking about making an integrated ticking system that will make the whole system convenient and efficient.
If you want to read more about the Hop smart card check out this article
http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/hopping-buses-get-easier-smartcard-4099602
WOW ABOUT TIME!! I’ve wondered before why we haven’t had this kind of system. As you said many cities have similar cards (London, Sydney, Melbourne, etc). Wellington have a card called SNAPPA. It is an amazing little card where not only can you buy public transport passes; you can also pay for things like the Movies and Sports events. I have recently seen advertising for the SNAPPA card in Auckland. Advertising it as coming soon. So will this be competition? There is no way there would be space for 2 providers.... Watch this space a.... =)
ReplyDeleteScratch that. After a little research I’ve found SNAPPER is the provider of the system. They are just re-naming it for Auckland =D
ReplyDeleteYou can still have a snapper card if you want Sam! But the Hop will act as both transport and snapper = awesome! You will be able to use snapper in Taxis and for general everyday items as well as your discounted Auckland travel card!! I am actually doing some promotion work on The Hop this week- its going to be so awesome when its all up and working across the city!!
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