Overhaul for Tasmanian metro ticketing system

The Tasmanian Government is calling for expressions of interest to develop a new ticketing system for Metro Tasmania, as part of the move towards a state-wide ticketing system. The Tasmanian Government has committed $7.5 million to assist Metro with the system upgrade as the first stage of the delivery of a common system to provide a one-ticket journey for those using the Metro and other public transport operators.

Metro is testing the market for a system tailored to its needs, with the capability to by expanded to additional bus operators. The Tasmanian Government’s Buy Local Policy will also apply, with Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Michael Ferguson encouraging the Tasmanian ICT industry to get involved and compete.

The new ticketing system is expected to enhance the customer experience and be easy to use, while providing data to improve service planning. There are currently no integrated systems operating across an entire state in Australia. Ferguson acknowledged that the EOI requires innovative contracting or partnership arrangements to develop, implement and manage the system cost-effectively, due to the complex market environments and diverse needs of bus operators.

More details about the EOI process will be available at www.tenderlink.com, with submissions closing on Thursday, 1 October, before a formal Request for Tender is issued later this year.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/Nick