more info

NSW lags in transport smartcard launch
Chris Jenkins
APRIL 10, 2007
NSW will not commit to a date for the start of commuter trials of the state's beleaguered Tcard public transport smartcard project, now six months behind schedule.

A spokesman for the state's Public Transport Ticketing Corporation said the group was working with ERG subsidiary ITSL "to finalise the necessary testing, which will allow for the commencement of a bus commuter field trial for the Tcard".

However, the PTTC declined to commit to firm dates for the trial.

An ERG spokesman said the company was obliged to refer all inquiries to its customer.

"It is anticipated that the Bus CFT will shortly begin in Sydney's inner west and will commence with transport staff testing and using the Tcard system, before recruited volunteers are progressively introduced," the PTTC spokesman said.



ADVERTISEMENT




"A Rail CFT is expected to commence in the second half of the year," he said.

The bus commuter trials were last scheduled to take place in October. Originally conceived in the 1990s, the Tcard project to provide integrated ticketing systems for Sydney's public transport network was first intended to be in place for the 2000 Olympics.

A complex system of fares has been blamed for the most recent delays, with ERG chief executive Allen Sullivan having said the systems are ready to move ahead with a trial.

Before last month's state election, the NSW opposition accused the Labor Government of deliberately delaying Tcard trials to avoid embarrassing glitches before the poll.

The PTTC said it would not move ahead until it was sure there would be no disruption to commuters.

"Equipment to support the Tcard system is being progressively rolled out and installed across Sydney's transport network.

"However, the Government has consistently said this technology will not be rolled out before it is proven on our system.

"The Government is not willing to risk disruption to commuters," the PTTC spokesman said.

Other states are also working on smartcard-based integrated ticketing systems, with Victoria's Myki card due to go into use by the end of the year.

While Western Australia's Smartrider was the first smartcard-based integrated ticketing system to get up and running, it has not been without problems.

Two weeks ago, transport authority Transperth was forced to offer free travel to train commuters after a system malfunction.

The Australian