The Tasmanian Government has announced the implementation of a ‘contemporary, integrated ticketing system’ for public transport in Tasmania.
In a move aimed at enhancing the public transport experience for Tasmanians, the new system will reportedly ‘revolutionise the way commuters pay for their journeys’ and provide ‘seamless travel’ across the entire state.
The State Government has partnered with Cubic Transportation Systems to deliver a ‘cutting-edge’ ticketing solution.
A Government spokesperson told Pulse the new system will introduce multiple new ways of paying, including smart devices & credit cards, while cash will still remain as an option for those who need it.
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Michael Ferguson says the “vibrant new ticketing solution” will not only offer a seamless journey “but also introduce modern payment methods, real-time information, and data-driven network improvements”.
Cubic Transportation Systems is globally recognised for its ‘market-leading’ ticketing systems deployed in major cities such as Singapore, New York, Chicago and London.
The Government say they aim to have the system fully operational by the 2024-25 financial year.
Shadow Minister for Transport, Josh Willie, has raised concerns about the government’s procurement process and lack of transparency for the deal.
Willie criticized the decision to engage Cubic ‘without a competitive tender process’, expressing skepticism about whether the company selected ‘will provide the best value for money for Tasmanian taxpayers’.
“The lack of due process in the procurement of Cubic raises questions about the government’s commitment to good governance,” Willie said.
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Michael Ferguson, said it’s “a pity” that ‘all they hear from Labor is negativity and whining’.
“I clearly articulated in Budget Estimates today the many benefits of working with another jurisdiction for Tasmania’s benefit – lower cost, less risk, access to an experienced and sophisticated ticketing solution and leveraging the learnings from Queensland’s well-advanced roll-out allows us to follow a proven implementation pathway,” Mr Ferguson said.
“Direct contracting with Cubic is a compliant procurement in accordance with the Tasmanian Government’s procurement framework.”
