A new electronic ticketing system that allows people to load credit onto their Metrocard by internet is being introduced by Environment Canterbury (ECan) on buses and ferries in Greater Christchurch and Timaru. It will be phased in over the next year and will be seamless for bus users who will be able to continue to use their existing Metrocard.

The contract is costing $5.5 million over five years and is within Metro budget limits.

“It’ll be great to be able to offer more flexibility and added convenience for customers,” said ECan public passenger transport committee chair, Cr Carole Evans. “The system will also provide better quality information about bus usage. Good information helps us anticipate and plan for public transport needs, now and into the future.

“The new ticketing system will provide state of the art technology, allowing customers to load credit onto their Metrocard via the internet, by eftpos or at a dedicated machine at the bus exchange. Fewer cash sales will mean that people can get to their seats more quickly.”

The system will be easier for drivers to use and is another step towards cashless buses. It will also provide more reliable data on card use, including an ability to report passenger transactions by stop in real time – important for good timetabling and route planning.

The contract was awarded to Innovations in Transportation (INIT), a German-based company specialising in the provision of intelligent transport solutions including ticketing and real time passenger Information. INIT has been in business for more than 25 years and has over 300 systems and more than 250 customers in Europe and North America.

“We look forward to providing an even better service to existing bus users and adding yet more reasons for new customers to leave the car at home,” said Cr Evans.

For further comment: Ken Lawn ECan Director Operations 027 4991416 or Environment Canterbury Public Passenger Transport Committee Chair, Cr Carole Evans on 027 240 3096.