T-Card, take 2

Sydney is to have an integrated electronic ticketing system for public transport by the end of 2012.

Last month the State Government signed a deal with the Pearl Consortium, which includes partners who delivered London’s Oyster Card, to plan and deliver the new system.

NSW Transport Minister David Campbell said the system would operate like an eTag.

“Each card or tag can be linked to an account from which the price of the journey will be automatically deducted,” he said.

“The new system will allow commuters to tap on and tap off from different modes of transport – trains, government and private buses, and government ferries.”

A spokesperson for the Transport Minister added that negotiations would be conducted for light rail to also be included in the system by the time it launches.

The system will use the same technology employed by the Oyster Card, with plans to roll it across Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong and the Blue Mountains.

The Minister’s office said the Pearl Consortium was selected following an extensive assessment process with criteria including technical, delivery, financial and economic outcomes.

Shadow Transport Minister Gladys Berejiklian said implementation of the system would still go ahead if the Opposition won the 2011 State Election.

“We would definitely honour the contract and make sure it is delivered,” she said.

“We think it’s an absolute priority, the Labor Party’s track record is appalling … we were supposed to have this by the year 2000.”