Parkeon technology partners Northern Ireland transport ticketing investment

Northern Ireland Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard has announced a US$60 million (£45 million) investment programme that will deliver a modernised ticketing system for Northern Ireland which is set to transform travel and lead to an increase in the number of people using public transport.

The Minister also announced that 251 Parkeon has been awarded the contract to design and deliver the new ticketing system.

Announcing the investment, Hazzard said the new Programme for Government envisages increasing the number of people using public transport. He said a high quality public transport infrastructure is fundamental to encouraging people to use buses and trains. This ticketing system aims to deliver long term benefits and transform access to public transport across the region.

Enhancements will include the acceptance of contactless payment cards on bus, e-purse payments like the London style Oyster Card, ticket vending machines, gated rail stations and an online app for customers to manage their accounts and top-up their smartcards.

Implementation is expected to start in 2018 with the new Bus Rapid Transit System. Contactless payments for Metro and Ulsterbus are planned for 2019.