Media release: 6 September 2012

Auckland Transport said today, it was pleased to confirm Auckland’s bus consortium has advised its members will install Thales hardware on their bus fleets as part of the preparation towards Auckland’s integrated ticketing system.

The bus consortium comprises Ritchie’s, Howick and Eastern, Urban Express, Bayes and Birkenhead Transport.

Andrew Ritchie, Chief Executive of Ritchie’s, says, “The bus consortium previously chose Parkeon as its hardware supplier and they have proven themselves to be professional and responsive in their approach to the project. However, in the interests of a seamless approach we have now elected to move to the AT Thales solution which will also be used on trains and ferries”.

Auckland Transport’s Chief Operations Officer, Greg Edmonds, says, “While Auckland Transport is pleased with this decision, it is important to note it is in no way reflective of the ability of Parkeon to deliver the bus solution, more it is about using a single technological supplier to deliver a single solution. We are appreciative of Parkeon’s efforts to date.”

Mr Edmonds confirmed bus operators would commence rollout of the AT HOP system from April next year.