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In preparation for contactless payments later this year, upgraded AT HOP card readers are being rolled out across Auckland’s public transport network In preparation for contactless payments later this year, upgraded AT HOP card readers are being rolled out across Auckland’s public transport network

Date: 29 April 2024

For now the new readers only accept AT HOP cards. However, by late 2024 new HOP card readers on AT buses, trains and ferries are set to accept Apple and Google Pay, debit cards and most credit cards, as well as AT HOP cards. 

AT’s Director of Public Transport Stacey van der Putten says that once in place, contactless payments will make it much easier for people to use public transport, which is critical to getting more people on board.  

“It’s about being able to turn up, pay and use public transport that gets people to more places without too much thinking ahead.”  

Work is being done behind the scenes to ensure the security of passengers card data and compliance once the changes are finalised.  

“This change is going to make public transport more appealing for more people including tourists, visitors, casual users, and first-time users” she says.  

Together with the big improvements coming via City Rail Link, Eastern Busway, new train stations in South Auckland, electric ferries, and making better use of our road space, easier payments are going to be another big step forward for public transport in Auckland.  

“We will continue to invest in ways to make it easy, safe, and reliable to get around using public transport. This will reduce road congestion for those who must drive and reduce our impact on the environment” says Ms van der Putten.   

The bus and pedestal card reader installation is expected to be completed within the next three months, followed by station gates: 

  • Approximately 3,600 card readers across 1,450 buses 
  • Approximately 180 pedestal readers across 32 train stations and 16 ferry terminals 
  • Approximately 110 gates at 17 stations (happening later in the year). 

Some AT HOP stats: 

  • We have 2.45 million AT HOP cards enabled 
  • 97% of trips are currently paid by AT HOP card 
  • Last month, there were 8.3 million trips on AT HOP cards 

With 3,600 on-board card readers and 180 station pedestals to be upgraded, AT are on-track to extend the system's capability to accept other forms of contactless payment toward the end of the year.   

 More ways to pay for public transport in Auckland (at.govt.nz)