Metro Tasmania

Metro's New Smartcard Ticketing System

Advertising & Public Information

Metro will commence a public education and promotion campaign on 14 August 2008 to promote a new ticketing system. The new Smartcard-based system will replace the existing ticketing system and be used on all Metro services in Hobart, Launceston and Burnie. Initially the campaign will see eight of Metro’s buses, 5 in Hobart, 2 in Launceston and 1 in Burnie, displaying the new promotional livery. The bus artwork has been designed to feature a location specific to the city in which the buses will operate. In Hobart Mt Wellington is recognised in the artwork, Launceston buses feature Kings Bridge and Burnie has the beachside image of the Surf Club. In addition to the on-bus advertising, Metro will be rolling out ongoing information over coming months updating customers about the developments of the new system.

Smartcard Name & Design

The name Greencard was chosen in recognition of the global warming phenomenon and public transport’s responsibility to assist in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Improved public transport and greater use of buses and less use of cars can have a real impact on reducing inner city congestion and lessoning carbon emissions into the atmosphere.

The design of people preparing to catch a bus in a mostly green landscape strengthens and links the name Greencard and public transport together on this credit card size ticket.
 

 

 

Why is Metro replacing its current ticket systems?

Metro’s existing ticket systems has reached the end of its operational life. The ticket system currently in use by Metro in Hobart and Launceston was commissioned almost 20 years ago. The ticketing system operating in Burnie is somewhat younger, but will also be replaced with the new smart card system.

Who is supplying the new ticketing system?

Metro undertook extensive research and sought advice from around the world before deciding on the European Company INIT to provide our new ticketing system. The German based INIT system was successfully introduced into many countries over a number of years. The INIT system is technologically advanced and has an industry proven background in public transport. The key to INIT's success is its “High-Tech” approach to making every aspect of the system simple and easy for the customer to use.

SMARTCARDS EXPLAINED

What is a Smartcard?

A Smartcard is a plastic card about the same size as a credit card and contains a small microchip that can be used to store or process information.

Do Smartcards need to be inserted into a reader?

The new Smartcards are ‘contactless’, and do not need to be inserted into a reader. Instead the communication between the card and the reader is via short range radio communications. This means that passengers will not have to take their Smartcard out of their purse, or wallet when boarding a bus. Instead the purse or wallet containing the Smartcard can simply be held close to the card reader, which facilitates the transfer of ticket information to the Smartcard reader on the bus.

How long does it take to ‘read’ the Smartcard?

The Smartcard machine reads the Smartcard in a fraction of a second, allowing passengers to board quickly and easily.

How long do Smartcards last?

Smartcards are designed with an operational life of four or more years. They are made from plastic and should be treated in a similar way to credit cards, driver licences, etc in order to ensure trouble-free operation.

When will the new Smartcard system be in use?

The smartcard ticketing system will be introduced region by region around Tasmania, with the first region, Burnie, expected to become Smartcard operational later this year.