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Commuters who want to keep their discount or concession fares must use an AT HOP card.
Photo: LDR / supplied
Some public transport users in Auckland say they will stick with their AT HOP cards to keep the reduced fares.
From this weekend, Auckland Transport will have that contactless payments introduced.
Commuters can do that now use any device that supports paywavesuch as a card or phone, to tag or disable. However, these payments will be charged the full adult rate.
Unfortunately, this change won’t benefit everyone as concession pricing and the $50 seven-day fare cap are excluded.
User reviews
Jakub Přikryl, 25, who recently arrived from the Czech Republic, thinks the new system is a great idea because many people use mobile devices or cards every day.
“I arrived three days ago and didn’t know how to pay. I would really appreciate it if I could pay by mobile.
“It’s much easier because I don’t have any cash on me. I’ll definitely use it.”
However, some users are concerned about the loss of concession discounts.
Reed, 19, a regular transit user, plans to continue using his HOP card despite the convenience of the new system.
“Having a HOP card is better for compartmentalizing funds, so I’m sticking with it.”
Thomas Michael Daly, another frequent user, expressed his disappointment: “I was excited about the convenience, but I wouldn’t get the discount. I trust that… Yeah, a little disappointed.”
Christina, a minimum wage worker, noted, “It’s accessible, but more expensive. It doesn’t make sense. You want to provide the cheaper option, especially when it comes to the cost of living. I get paid minimum wage.”
She continues to use her HOP card because it is cheaper.
University students Rosie and Honor expressed frustration at the inability to use their student concessions with the new system. Honor said: “It’s convenient, but the full rate is difficult for some parents to afford.”
David, who uses a gold card, doesn’t think the new system is ideal for the elderly: “I prefer the old card. The new contactless payment is good for the tech-savvy, but not ideal for older people.”
Despite the drawbacks, many users recognize the progress that the change brings.
Carter, 17, from Christchurch, said: “It’s much easier, 100 times easier.”
Yet his mother, Theresa Pearson, points out a downside: “It is easier with contactless payments. But that is a disadvantage for people who cannot get concessions or cheaper rates.”
Local politicians are getting involved
Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board chairman Tauanu’u Nick Bakulich said the change would make public transport much more accessible, with benefits for seniors and Pacific communities.
“For seniors aged 65 and over, it’s still free with their gold card: buses, trains and ferries – it’s all free for them. For Pacific Islanders, you don’t have to buy a $10 HOP card before you can load it,” he says. said.
Tauanu’u, who regularly uses the train for work meetings, added: “For those who are not regular users, they will not have to deal with the inconvenience of buying a HOP card. They can just get up and use their debit card.”
Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Government Chairman Apulu Reece Autagavaia noted that while the system removes the hassle of topping up HOP cards, it has drawbacks as contactless payments do not offer concession discounts.
“The next step is cheaper fares, which would really help families who rely on public transport for education and work. This program is not yet fully benefiting these people, but hopefully the technology will enable concessions in the future.”
He added that the local government has advocated free public transport, which will eliminate the need for a card.
Manurewa-Papakura Ward Councilor Daniel Newman stressed the importance of giving people options, including contactless payment options.
However, he said: “My strong preference is for customers to use their AT HOP wherever they can as it provides the opportunity to take advantage of any tariff concessions that may apply to the customer.”
Maungakiekie-Tāmaki ward councilor Josephine Bartley acknowledged the convenience but raised concerns about the cost.
“I think it’s good for people who don’t have HOP cards, but it’s a very expensive system to set up. I think of local councils that tried to push HOP cards, and now it looks like that’s not necessary was.”
Users paying with devices or debit cards will be charged the full adult rate up to the national ticketing solution will come into effect in 2026.
LDR is local journalism, co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.