Aucklanders will be waiting a little longer to tag on to the city’s buses, trains and ferries with their phone or contactless credit and debit cards as upgraded card readers begin their roll out this week.
Initially, the technology was expected to roll out in June this year, but Auckland Transport said it has been delayed until “late 2024.”
This delay was because of supply chain issues getting equipment into the country and established in data centres, an AT spokesperson said.
Nearly 4000 card readers on buses and at train stations and ferry terminals are expected to be installed in the next three months.
Later in the year, 110 station gates will be upgraded across 17 stations.
AT director of public transport Stacey van der Putten told 1News contactless payments would make it much easier for people to use public transport.
“It’s about being able to turn up, pay and use public transport that gets people to more places without too much thinking ahead.”
Work is being done to ensure the security of passengers’ card data and compliance once the changes are finalised.
Van der Putten said the change will make public transport “more appealing” for tourists, visitors, casual users and first-time users.”
Contactless payments would be “another big step forward” alongside improvements to the network in the form of the City Rail Link, Eastern Busway, new South Auckland train stations, and electric ferries.
“We will continue to invest in ways to make it easy, safe, and reliable to get around using public transport. This will reduce road congestion for those who must drive and reduce our impact on the environment,” said van der Putten.
All contactless cards through popular payment platforms like Paywave, Apple Pay, and Google Pay will be accepted.
The changes will only apply to full-fare paying adults, while those using concessions such as SuperGold and tertiary discounts will still need to use AT HOP cards.