A Hop, Skip and a Jump
HOP is Auckland’s new smartcard ticketing system.
By the end of 2012 you will be able use the new HOP card on the bus, ferry and rail.Auckland’s first smartcard ticketing system will change how we travel and will hopefully make our lives that much easier. Auckland Transport still has some kinks to iron out but we are learning more and more each week. The rollout is gradual due to the fact that it is proven to be best practice and will occur over three phases i.e.
Phase 1 includes the official launch and the opportunity to swap your Go-Rider card for the new temporary HOP card, for free. The HOP card will be able to be used on certain NZ buses.
Phase 2 will come into effect by the end of 2011 and will include some rail and ferry services. The temporary HOP card will be exchanged for the new permanent card.
Phase 3 is the final phase and will include all bus, rail and ferry services.
Thus far details are sketchy regarding the fare system and/or zones but Auckland Transport will revue all fare structures once the permanent HOP card is fully operational – that should be by the end of 2012. For the time being the smartcard will be regional but there are plans to expand and go national. It has been a long time coming but we can confidently say that it is only a hop, skip and a jump away. All aboard !
There does seem to be some confusion between HOP and Snapper. Can anybody clarify what the deal is ?
As far as I understand it, Snapper is an interim card which will eventually fall away when the permanent HOP cards is launched. Not too sure though ?
Isn’t Snapper the operating system ?
At the moment you will be able to use Snapper with HOP until next year when Snapper will fall away and will no longer be viable. Things are constantly shifting and this could change but that is what they are saying for now. Let’s wait and see
Just read that North Star users can use the HOP card from may 8
Finally some action.
Thanks for the info goody2shoes. About time.
I am going to sit and watch this, it is all so confusing. I will just stick to my car for the interim.
Thanks goody2shoes – I received the email stating that you will be able to use it on the North Star from the 8th of May and the rest should follow shortly – bring it on !
Just came across this video. It seems there is one of your photos in it.
woops this is the link
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZ6ZlZmulXw&feature=player_embedded
LOL that is very funny, I saw The Eye’s comment there but they haven’t acknowledged anything.
Nicco follows my photo threads at Skyscrapercity
Very nice of him to tell me – thanks Nicco 