Skip to main content

Cubic wins NZ national ticketing deal

Open loop system will apply to bus, rail and ferry services across New Zealand
By Adam Hill October 25, 2022 Read time: 2 mins
Payment will be 'seamlessly' integrated across operators in 13 regions (© Giovanni Gagliardi | Dreamstime.com)

Cubic Transportation Systems (CTS) is to provide a national ticketing solution for Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA).

The deal follows a recent win with the agency for Sice, which is to provide a nationwide tolling back-office system.

When completed, CTS's system will cover 13 regions across New Zealand and enable more convenient travel on bus, rail and ferry services.

The solution is similar to ones that CTS has deployed in New York, London and Brisbane, and the company says it will "seamlessly integrate" with existing operators and authorities in each region.

The open loop set-up will allow contactless and smart device payments including Apple Pay and Google Pay.

“When we remove barriers and make public transport easier to use, we can improve safety and reduce road congestion and emissions,” said Yogesh Anand, Waka Kotahi NTS executive sponsor.

“We also understand that accessible and affordable public transport options are key to helping cities grow sustainably and become more liveable and connected.”

Simon McLevie, VP & managing director for CTS Asia & New Zealand, says: “We look forward to working with Waka Kotahi and the regional councils on enabling innovation in customer experience through easier payments for public transport that will improve the lives of all Kiwis.”


In a separate deal, CTS has been awarded an initial five-year deal by Transport Scotland to provide support, maintenance, modernisation and development services to ensure maximum availability of the the UK country's traffic systems. 

CTS's relationship with Transport Scotland dates back to 1993, since when it has developed and maintained software relating to this contract. 

The company will provide ITS web-based information systems and databases, and support ICT systems and IP communications-orientated computer systems to enable the collection and distribution of real-time traffic information regarding incidents on the Scottish trunk road and motorway networks. 

Arcadis IBI Group will support CTS as part of the contract. 

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Cubic and TfL launch mobile ticketing app for Oyster card customers
    December 21, 2017
    Cubic Transportation Systems and Transport for London (TfL) have launched the TfL mobile ticketing app for Oyster card users in London. Designed by TfL and developed by Cubic, the app allows Oyster card users to manage travel fares and payments, top up their cards and view journey history via an Android or Apple iOS devices.
  • New York ferry company deploys mobile ticketing
    June 15, 2017
    Mobile transport ticketing specialist Masabi is to provide Fire Island Ferries, the ferry and water taxi operator serving Fire Island, New York with its JustRide Platform to deliver mobile ticketing to passengers.
  • Conscience versus convenience
    June 8, 2015
    David Crawford looks at new ways forward for public transport. By 2025, nearly 60% of the world’s population will be living in towns and cities, increasing their extent and density, and the journeys that people make within and between them. In response, the International Association of Public Transport (UITP) wants to see public transport’s global modal share doubling (PTx2) by the same date. “Success in 2025,” a spokesperson told ITS International, “will save 170 million tonnes of oil equivalent and 550
  • Largest open transit fare system in the US launches in Chicago
    June 28, 2013
    Cubic Transportation Systems, MasterCard and Money Network are to partner in a program to launch what is said to be the largest open transit fare payment system (OSFS) in the US. The Ventra card is about to make its debut with the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) and suburban bus operator Pace, giving customers two new options to pay for train and bus rides. The Ventra card features two accounts - a closed-loop account for transit payments and an optional reloadable prepaid card that can be used for everyday