Auckland Transport media release

30 May 2013

Independent report on AT HOP card roll-out

The Board of Auckland Transport today agreed to work on a number of key recommendations contained in an independent report by Deloitte into public transport in the region.

The report, commissioned by Auckland Transport, focussed on the roll-out of the new AT HOP smartcard and measures to stop fare evasion on trains.

Among the recommendations for further work:

• Possible reduction or elimination of the 25 cent online top-up transaction fee associated with the AT HOP card
• Improving the speed, reliability and user-friendliness of ticket machines which allow money to be loaded onto AT HOP cards and which also sell paper tickets
• An expanded retail network where customers can purchase and top-up cards at places such as dairies
• Heavier promotion of the benefits of online transactions for customers, including added discounts
• Investigate the possibility of transactions via mobile phones
• The introduction of cards pre-loaded with funds for casual users and visitors to Auckland

The Deloitte Report also found that levels of fare evasion on trains is lower than previously estimated. It says an increased focus on fare evasion, including on-board inspections and weekly ticket “blitzes” on stations around the rail network have resulted in a more accurate picture of the issue. The report says the proportion of people travelling without a valid ticket is around 4%, which compares favourably with other cities, such as Melbourne, which has a similar smartcard public transport system.

Auckland Transport chairman Dr Lester Levy says the board sought independent assurance from Deloitte that AT HOP, which is set to roll out on bus-services from next month, was being implemented in line with international best practise.

“I am also pleased that we have identified a number of possible improvements that will drive even more customer demand,” he says.

“Quite simply we want to make travel across all modes as easy, fast, convenient and inexpensive as possible because public transport is the game-changer if we are to improve transport in Auckland across the board.”

Dr Levy adds that as well as AT HOP, the new frequent bus network which will see buses arriving and departing at least every 15 minutes on high frequency routes will make public transport a more attractive option. Around 80 per cent of public transport trips are on buses, says Dr Levy.

“Frequency and reliability of services are critical so that people can plan and go about their daily lives,” he says. “Vastly improving those services is a major focus for our operations.”

The Deloitte report is available on-line at www.aucklandtransport.govt.nz

Background
-AT HOP has already been introduced on ferries and trains. The roll-out is planned to start with Urban Express bus services in June. Birkenhead Transport, NorthStar, Ritchies, Northern Express, Metrolink, Go West and Waka Pacific (through to November)
-71,000 people have enabled AT HOP cards
-Travelling without a valid paper ticket or a tagged-on AT HOP card will result in a $20 penalty fare being charged
-Deloitte in an international consultancy which provides financial advisory, risk management, and strategy advice to large organisations..

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