Aucklanders will be able to tap onto a bus, train, or ferry with their phone or credit and debit cards by the end of the year, said the city’s transport agency.
First announced to be rolled out in June this year, Auckland Transport delayed it until late 2024 due to supply chain issues getting equipment into the country and established in data centres.
Accepted payment methods will include contactless debit and credit cards, as well as Apple Pay, Google Pay or Samsung Pay in the digital wallet of one’s smart device.
Contactless payments will be “another big step forward” for Auckland’s public transport network, said AT director of public transport and active modes Stacey van der Putten.
“Contactless payments is about having more ways to pay, making it much easier for people to use buses, trains and ferries.
“It’s about being able to turn up, pay and use public transport that gets people to more places without too much thinking ahead.”
Van der Putten said it would make public transport more accessible for tourists, visitors, casual users, first-time users, and even those regular customers who may have forgotten their AT HOP card.
“When we go live, the changes will only apply to standard adult HOP fares, so those customers qualifying for a concessions such as SuperGold, student and tertiary discounts will still need to use AT HOP cards.”
She said the future of public transport was “looking positive” for the region, with the City Rail Link and Eastern Busway under construction alongside four “world-leading” electric ferries.