10 Apr 2026

New Zealand: Interoperable Ticketing System for Auckland

Case Study 3 minute read

AT HOP represents a major step forward in how Auckland moves. By unifying ticketing across all modes and operators, we’ve helped create a transport experience that is simpler, more reliable and ready for the future. This project shows what’s possible when technology and public service work hand in hand to deliver real benefits for communities.

Denise Burns

General Manager, RCS New Zealand, Hitachi Rail

Challenge

Auckland Transport set out to create a single, smart card based fare collection system that would unify travel across bus, rail and ferry services operated by multiple providers. The goal was to simplify public transport for residents and visitors while building a scalable platform that could eventually support a nationwide mobility network, integrating not only public transport but also cycling and walking connections.

The timeline was ambitious: the system needed to be operational ahead of the 2011 Rugby World Cup, when Auckland would welcome a major influx of international travelers. At the time, each operator used its own ticketing system, creating confusion, inefficiencies and barriers to seamless travel.

To address this, Auckland Transport launched the Auckland Integrated Fares System (AIFS), later branded AT HOP, with the mission of replacing all legacy systems and delivering a unified, intuitive and future ready ticketing experience across the region.

Solution

Hitachi delivered a fully integrated smartcard system that unified ticketing across Auckland’s buses, trains and ferries. At the core was a single multi‑modal and multi-operator central back‑office platform managing fares, financial clearing and settlement for all operators. The rollout followed a phased approach: core functions were introduced first on rail and ferry services, followed by full bus network integration completed in 2013. This ensured a smooth transition for passengers while modernizing the region’s fare collection infrastructure. The result was a cohesive, scalable system, enabling seamless travel across Auckland’s entire public transport network.

Impact

AT HOP has transformed public transport in Auckland by simplifying journeys, improving customer experience, and providing a strong foundation for future mobility innovations. The project is benchmarked against some of the best systems in the world and includes 5,000 pieces of bus equipment, 100 self‑service ticket vending machines (TVMs), 115 POS terminals, 180 validators, 100 platform gates, and inspection devices.

The AT HOP card was launched publicly in October 2012. It was progressively rolled out across rail, ferry, and bus services, enabling passengers to travel across multiple modes using a single card and pay one integrated fare for multi journeys.

The system’s success is reflected in its adoption: by the beginning of 2026, more than 3 million AT HOP cards had been sold, with over 1.5 million active users relying on the system for daily travel. Its interoperable, multi‑operator design ensures low cost of operations and high service availability.