RPA has been given the responsibility to design and implement a smart card based system that will provide the ticketing platform for the different providers of public transport. This section will provide details of our progress towards achieving this for the Greater Dublin Area.
Current Status
IBM are working on development and modification of the systems to be provided for the ITS back-office. The systems will be delivered on a phased basis during 2010 and 2011. The systems will undergo extensive testing before the scheme gets rolled out to customers during 2010 and 2011.
National Transport Authority (NTA)
Under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008 the new Authority will take responsibility for overseeing the implementation and running of the ITS. Full details of the Act can be found at www.irishstatutebook.ie
Dublin Bus Implements Smartcard as part of ITS
RPA and Dublin Bus are working with Dublin’s Transport Operators to have a fully integrated ticketing scheme with a single smart card available for use on all Public Transport Services.
As part of this scheme, Dublin Bus has installed new Smartcard readers on all buses in their fleet. The Smartcard readers are located to the right of the entrance door of the bus, just above the magnetic ticket reader.
Dublin Bus has converted a range of magnetic prepaid tickets to prepaid Smartcards. For a transition period, both Smartcards and magnetic prepaid tickets will be in operation on all Dublin Bus services.
To find out how this service works, click here.
Luas Smartcard
At present, customers can use pre-loaded SmartCards to pay for travel on Luas. See www.luas.ie for further details.
Irish Rail Smartcard
Pre-loaded SmartCards similar to those used on Luas will be made available to Irish Rail customers in the near future. They will also be capable of using a number of preloaded products
Technology
The integrated ticketing scheme in the Greater Dublin Area is being introduced on a phased basis.A progressive approach is being adopted to allow customers to familiarise themselves with using the new system and to permit transport operators to undertake the necessary replacement of magnetic strip technology, the testing of smart cards and the integration of the various technologies involved.
All the Luas network and Dublin Bus fleet have been fitted with smart card readers. Smart card readers and a new gating system have been installed at Irish Rail DART stations, and all commuter stations from Dublin city centre to Balbriggan, Maynooth, Hazelhatch, and Kilcoole.
Next Steps
It is planned to commence the introduction of a single smart card on a progressive basis for Dublin Bus and Luas services during 2010 which will have electronic purse capability. This capability will allow a pay-as-you-go system, similar to the systems used for mobile phones. The electronic purse capability will go live in late 2010 and will facilitate cashless travel on services of all participating operators.
This single smart card, with electronic purse capability, will then replace the interim smart cards and will be extended to Irish Rail - DART and commuter rail services.
Discussions are being held with private bus operators in relation to their participation in the scheme over this timeframe.
Finally, Bus Éireann will introduce the single smart card system on a pilot basis on a number of its commuter routes within the Greater Dublin Area. The Company will then evaluate the feasibility of extending the scheme to include its whole network in the Greater Dublin Area.
RPA is currently procuring a supplier to operate the scheme and to provide the point of sale network to sell and top-up smartcards as well as providing customer support. Procurement of these services is due to be complete during 2010 and the transfer of responsibilities to the operator will take place before the launch of the scheme.
While the current scope and focus of the single smart card scheme is the Greater Dublin Area, the overall mandate for the scheme is national. The potential to develop a nationwide ticket, starting with at Cork and Galway will then be examined.