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 statewide ticketing system to make it simpler for passengers.
We have committed $7.5 million to assist Metro with the system upgrade as the first stage of the delivery of a common system to allow a seamless one-ticket journey for those using both Metro and other public transport operators.
Metro is now testing the market for a system tailored to its needs, but with the capability to be expanded to additional bus operators.
Importantly, the Tasmanian Liberal Government’s Buy Local Policy will apply, and I am strongly encouraging the Tasmanian ICT industry to get involved and compete.
The new ticketing system will enhance the customer experience and be easy to use, while providing data to improve service planning.
Metro Tasmania was among the first major public transport operators in Australia to offer smartcard ticketing.
There are currently no integrated systems operating across an entire state in Australia. We recognise the complex market environment and diverse needs of bus operators, so the EOI encourages innovative contracting or partnership arrangements to develop, implement and manage the system in a cost effective way. Details on the EOI process will be available at www.tenderlink.com, with submissions closing on Thursday, October 1, before a formal Request for Tender is issued later this year.