Media release: 16 May 2011

One week on from the introduction of its new HOP smartcard for public transport, Auckland Transport says the introduction of the first phase of the new card on NZ Bus North Star services has been successful.

More than 17,000 HOP cards have been issued, there have been 59,000 visits to the MYHOP website, 130 retail outlets are operational and 137 North Star buses have been converted over to the HOP system.

“These are great statistics proving that the HOP brand has quickly adopted by the public,” says Auckland Transport Chief Executive David Warburton.

The benefits of using HOP include savings of at least 10% off the normal cash fares, improved boarding times, ease of use and the added benefit of making fast everyday purchases through retail outlets aligned to Snapper.

The next phase of the smartcard project sees the migration of Go West and Waka Pacific bus services on 22 May. GO Rider cardholders will receive a free HOP card and will be able to transfer any balance remaining onto that card after their service changes over, up until June 11. Those who are not Go Rider card holders can purchase a HOP card at selected retailers displaying the HOP and Snapper sign or at Britomart, New Lynn or Newmarket service centres.

Work is continuing on rolling out the system to further bus operators. Construction works for ticketing devices are underway across Auckland’s rail and ferry network using Thales technology for HOP Phase Two which will be delivered at the end of this year.