SMARTCARD TO RIDE REGIONAL PUBLIC TRANSPORT SYSTEM
Regional Victoria will be the big
winner with the next generation of public transport ticketing set to
work across the country and metropolitan bus, train and tram systems.
Announcing a call for tenders to
deliver the new Smartcard ticketing system, the Minister for Transport,
Peter Batchelor, said it would be a significant step forward in the
development of a flexible, user-friendly and efficient system for
Victoria’s public transport network.
“The new Smartcard system will be implemented in 2007 after the existing contract expires,” Mr Batchelor said.
“At this stage, the Government is planning to role out the technology in regional Victoria first.”
“The Smartcard is a durable
plastic card which can store value – similar to a pre-paid phone card,
only better, smarter and re-loadable.
“It only needs to be scanned for less than half a second, and Smartcard can be used from inside a wallet or handbag.
“Instead of juggling coins with
one hand as you line up to buy a ticket, Smartcard can be preloaded
with monetary value and scanned near a scanner as you get on and off a
bus or tram, or as you enter and leave a railway station.
“Regular users will have the
option of loading value on their Smartcards using credit cards, debit
cards or cash at train stations, dedicated machines, online or via
telephone.
“Alternatively, users can
purchase disposable Smartcards using cash at a station, or on board a
tram or bus – an attractive choice for casual users and tourists.”
Mr Batchelor said a key feature
of the new Smartcard system was its ability to automatically give both
regular and casual users the lowest fare.
“With Smartcard, there will be no
need for customers to plan their transport use for the day or week
before purchasing tickets, because the new system will be programmed to
read the number of trips over a period of up to a month to work out the
cheapest possible fare,” he said.
The new Smartcard system will
utilise the current fare and zone structure, while allowing for future
ticketing options to be explored.
“Smartcards will be available at train stations, selected retail agents, the Melbourne airport, online and via telephone.”
Mr Batchelor said Smartcard
ticketing was a proven success in large cities around the world,
including London, Washington, Hong Kong, Seoul and Singapore. It is
also being introduced in Sydney, Brisbane and Perth.
“All Victorians, as well as
visitors to the state, can look forward to smart technology ticketing
that delivers a fast, easy and flexible travelling experience on public
transport.”
Tenderers will have eight weeks
to prepare their submissions, with evaluations expected to be completed
by early next year. The new contract will be for a period of ten years.
“We expect the new system will
cost less to operate than the existing system ($55 million per year),
but the final costs will be determined through a competitive tender
process,” Mr Batchelor said.
The tender process is being
managed by the Transport Ticketing Authority, which has responsibility
for overseeing the design, procurement and delivery of the project.
