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Syndey's Transit Smart Card Stalled

Posted by: Christian Madera

7 July 2006 - 6:00am

Six years and millions of dollars later, Sydney's public transit users are still without a universal fare card system.

"The $340 million contract for Sydney's long-awaited travel smartcard is in legal limbo amid claims the cash-strapped company behind it needs a multi-million-dollar rescue payment."

ERG Group, which developed a number of fare card ticketing systems worldwide, including the much-praised Octopus card system in Hong Kong, is struggling to meet the Government's demand to make the system compatible with existing bus, train and ferry ticketing.

"Lawyers for the company and Government have spent months negotiating a new timetable for the Tcard, the smartcard's official name. It was supposed to begin by November 2005."

"The delays to the project mean many commuters using private bus companies - which are waiting for Tcard to renew their systems - are paying cash fares and missing out on discounts"

Full Story: Jammed: new transport card
Source: The Sydney Morning Herald, June 16, 2006
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