The overhaul of South Australia’s public transport system has gathered further momentum with the Rann Government calling for expressions of
The overhaul of South Australia’s public transport system has gathered further momentum with the Rann Government calling for expressions of interest to supply a state-of-the-art ticketing system.
Transport Minister Patrick Conlon says an international call will seek suitably qualified companies to provide the ‘Smartcard’ technology.
“Getting the ticketing system right is a key component of this government’s $2 billion public transport revolution announced in this year’s State Budget,” he says.
“We’ve seen the process go wrong in other states at a huge cost and we’ve learned valuable lessons.
“We’ll leave no stone unturned in getting the best product for South Australian taxpayers and public transport commuters.”
The Smartcard technology works by simply touching the card against a target reader on the vehicle and a fare will be deducted – significantly hastening the boarding process and providing system-wide efficiencies.
When operational the system will be installed in approximately 1,000 vehicles and numerous transport facilities across Adelaide.
The expressions of interest advertisements will be placed in major newspapers. It will also be lodged on the South Australian Government tender website.
This initial stage of the procurement process will close on November 25, with selected companies then provided with official requests for proposals. After the requests are evaluated (in 2009), the Government will work with the successful proponent to establish a realistic project timetable.
“The roll out of a new ticketing system will time well with progress of the wider transport revolution we announced earlier this year,” Conlon says.
“We will have additional rolling stock on the system and will have completed the extension of the tramline to the Adelaide Entertainment Centre.
“Not only will we have laid the foundations for the nation’s best public transport system but it will be complimented by a modern ticketing system.”
In June this year Treasurer Kevin Foley announced a record $2 billion investment in public transport featuring electrification of Adelaide’s rail network, an extended tramline to Semaphore via West Lakes and Port Adelaide, plus additional funds for extra buses, trains and trams