Gerry needs to clip this one, and quick

Labour’s Transport spokesperson Phil Twyford is calling on Transport Minister Gerry Brownlee to sort out continuing delays in the roll out of Auckland’s public transport integrated ticketing system.

Taxpayers contributed $56 million to a $98 million contract awarded to French company Thales, and Auckland ratepayers $42 million.

“It appears there are serious problems with the project’s implementation. Not only is integrated ticketing vital to growing passenger numbers in Auckland’s public transport system, but the taxpayer has a lot of skin in the game,” Phil Twyford said.

“The problem seems to be that equipment on the buses of Infratil-owned NZ Bus, Auckland’s largest bus operator, is having trouble integrating with the new ticketing system being set up by French technology giant Thales.

“Funny that. The National Government helped get Auckland into this situation by pushing for Infratil’s Snapper Card to be rolled out on the company’s 560 buses last year, even though a new integrated ticketing system for all buses, ferries and trains was in the process of being set up.

“It is time for Gerry Brownlee to clean up the mess, by working alongside Auckland Transport to ensure the new system is up and running as quickly as possible.

“Aucklanders want to be able to use one ticket to get around on the city’s trains, buses and ferries. They don’t want endless delays, and they don’t want to see their $98 million investment wasted,” said Phil Twyford.