Key Takeaways:
- Wellingtonians will be able to use contactless payment on public transport with their phones and debit cards in the first half of next year
- The National Ticketing Solution (NTS) has been delayed, with Wellington’s launch date pushed out from the end of next year to the end of 2027
- The regional council will roll out contactless payments itself at a cost of $5.5 million
- The NTS will allow for integrated fare ticketing, fare capping, and changing fares for particular times of the day
- Snapper’s contract with the regional council will wrap up at the end of 2027, but their card readers and technology will remain in place until then
Introduction to Contactless Payments
The city of Wellington is on the cusp of a significant upgrade to its public transportation system, with the introduction of contactless payment options for buses and trains. According to Greater Wellington Regional Council chair Daran Ponter, Wellingtonians will soon be able to tag onto public transport with their phones and debit cards, thanks to a $5.5 million investment by the regional council. This move comes after years of waiting for the National Ticketing Solution (NTS), a $1.4 billion project that was first signed off over 16 years ago. The NTS aims to allow people to pay for buses, ferries, and trains with debit cards and digital payments across the country, but its rollout has been delayed, with Wellington’s launch date pushed out from the end of next year to the end of 2027.
Background on the National Ticketing Solution
The NTS was initially intended to provide a comprehensive and integrated ticketing system for public transportation across New Zealand. However, its rollout has been plagued by delays, and Wellingtonians have been left waiting for a system that would allow them to pay for their fares with ease. The regional council has grown impatient with the delays and has decided to take matters into its own hands, investing in a contactless payment system that will be rolled out in the first half of next year. This system will allow passengers to pay for their fares using their phones and debit cards, providing a more convenient and efficient way to travel on public transport.
The Regional Council’s Decision
According to Ponter, the decision to invest in a contactless payment system was made in response to the long wait for the NTS. "Wellingtonians, people in the Wellington region, have been waiting a long time themselves, years if not decades, and we have got to a point where we feel it is justified to make this investment," he said. The regional council believes that this investment will be worth it, as it will provide a more convenient and efficient way for passengers to pay for their fares. Additionally, it will help to encourage uptake of credit and debit card usage ahead of the full NTS functionality in 2027.
The Role of Snapper
Snapper, the company that currently provides Wellington’s fare services, will continue to operate until the end of its contract with the regional council in 2027. During this time, their card readers and technology will remain in place, and passengers will be able to use their contactless payment cards, phones, or watches to pay for their fares. Snapper’s chief executive, Miki Szikszai, noted that their devices have a 10-year useful life and were rolled out in 2017, which coincides with the predicted rollout date for the NTS. Snapper also provides transport analytics and mobile reload services for authorities around the world, and these lines of business will continue after their contract with the regional council ends.
Response from the Transport Minister
Transport Minister Chris Bishop has stated that it is up to the Greater Wellington Regional Council to decide whether to spend millions on an interim contactless payment system before the NTS arrives. The regional council believes that this investment is necessary to provide a more convenient and efficient way for passengers to pay for their fares. The NZ Transport Agency has been approached for comment on the matter.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the introduction of contactless payment options for public transportation in Wellington is a significant upgrade that will provide passengers with a more convenient and efficient way to pay for their fares. While the National Ticketing Solution has been delayed, the regional council’s decision to invest in a contactless payment system will help to fill the gap until the NTS is fully rolled out in 2027. With Snapper’s contract set to end in 2027, the regional council’s investment will ensure that passengers continue to have access to a reliable and efficient payment system. As the city of Wellington continues to grow and develop, it is essential that its public transportation system keeps pace, and the introduction of contactless payment options is a significant step in the right direction.