NZRise is pleased to see that NZ Transport Agency will now work with Wellington councils to consider the transport payment system for the greater Wellington region.
Previously NZTA had stated that it preferred the Hop system to be implemented in Wellington as it is in Auckland. This was before the open tender process had begun.
NZRise was concerned that this did not create a fair tender system and we are pleased to now see that a working group will be created to look at solutions.
Don Christie, co-chair of NZRise had previously stated “It’s important that technology companies get a fair hearing by the Council, and that the Council gets the most cost-effective and practical solution for ratepayers and commuters. It would be a shame for a flawed process to result in a poor decision which leads to both a rise in costs and a decrease in functionality and flexibility.”
The technology is changing rapidly and we are pleased to see Wellington Mayor Celia Wade-Brown supporting New Zealand tech businesses. From the Stuff article – “Wellington Mayor Celia Wade-Brown said the council, which wrote to NZTA about the proposal, wanted to make sure “a good Wellington company” such as Snapper did not miss out on the opportunity to tender for the services.”
The full Stuff article is here