Snap? Infratil bidding for 'Metrocard' replacement

Earlier this year the Christchurch City Council issued a tender for a new integrated ticketing system to replace the current 'Metrocard' system. On Monday it was announced that New Zealand company Infratil had made a bid for the supply of this system utilising it's 'Snapper' card system currently in use on some Wellington buses.

Seeing as we want to get the absolute best possible public transport system for our city, it makes sense to invest in a ticketing system that is world class and saves patrons time and money. Moving top ups off buses and into agents (such as dairy's), seamless integration between different services and transport modes (ferry, CBD tram), and allowing future expansion of services offered (small purchases, new transport modes) are all benefits we can expect from a new system.

Now here is the funny thing. Infratil is actually the operator of most of Auckland and Wellington's bus networks as NZ Bus. Critics have argued that this forms a conflict of interest and that it would be unhealthy for Infratil to operate the ticketing system. Most of this came up due to Infratil's recent failed bid to supply an integrated ticketing system for Auckland's public transport network and their subsequent, and very public, spitting of the dummy and associated throwing of the toys out of the cot in response. Infratil argued a back lash would ensue as the Auckland Regional Transport Authority (ARTA) chose a foreign firm to supply the system instead, but the fact was that Infratil offered an unproven system that has yet to fully roll out anywhere and presented a substantial conflict of interest.

Now here is the even funnier (and fishy) thing. Auckland's integrated ticketing scheme has stalled due to the governments cancellation of the regional fuel tax. As this tax was to help pay for the new system uncertainty remains over the legitimacy and status of the current successful bid, and Infratil seem to remain confident that they will eventually be awarded the contract despite ARTA's preference for an alternative supplier.

Now here is the hilarious bit. The Christchurch tender stipulates that the new ticketing system be interoperable with Auckland's! Ha! So basically who knows what will happen and when. Personally I want to see something that is up with London's Oyster card, can be used over the entire network, is easier to use (quick boardings), can be topped up online and at shops and means we don't have to wait behind someone fumbling about with coins and notes waiting to top up their card on the bus.

For what it's worth the Snapper card in Wellington is only able to be used on some Wellington buses. It can also be used for a number of small purchases and has scope to be used for more (such as online music etc). It isn't used as an integrated ticketing system. Wellington trains, ferry's and other bus companies still issue their own tickets. There is clearly uncertainty over the Snapper system representing a world class integrated ticketing system and as public transport in Christchurch is deplorable and needs all the help it can get I am starting to think it might be better to go for a proven firm, even if it is overseas based.

Nevertheless, what Christchurch needs is an integrated ticketing system that is easy to use and top up and can easily be adapted to advances in Christchurch's public transport system. Whatever system is eventually chosen it is good to see the local authorities pressing on with investment in a more sustainable and efficient form of transportation. Improving Christchurch's public transport system with initiatives such as this can only be good.