Ann: GENERAL: IFT: Snapper Release

• Release Date: 26/06/12 13:38
• Summary: GENERAL: IFT: Snapper Release
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IFT
26/06/2012 11:38
GENERAL

REL: 1138 HRS Infratil Limited

GENERAL: IFT: Snapper Release

Snapper is a Wellington based technology start-up backed by Infratil. It
employs 25 people and works in partnership with the world's leading
smart-card provider - Korea Smart Card Company to deliver information and
payment solutions. Its cards are used by over 380,000 customers in New
Zealand and are accepted on 1,014 buses in Auckland and Wellington (where it
has successfully operated for more than 3 years). Snapper is also available
on over 3,000 taxis and 500 retailers and is used by businesses, schools and
tertiary education institutions for ID and access. Snapper has strong partner
relationships with a number of payments and technology companies across New
Zealand, including the successful "Touch 2 Pay" mobile service launched with
2 Degrees in May this year, the first of its kind in New Zealand.

NZ Bus and Snapper are committed to working with Auckland Transport to
deliver integrated ticketing in Auckland later this year.

The Auckland Integrated Fare System (AIFS) project is one of the largest IT
initiatives in Australasia. The key parties involved include NZTA whose role
is to set the national standards, Auckland Transport as the system
integrator, and French multinational Thales as the prime contractor. Over
$100m of NZTA and regional funding has been set aside to deliver this
project. As the system integrator, Auckland Transport is responsible for
overall design and project management, as well as the implementation
timetable.

In the lead-in to AIFS delivery, Snapper and NZ Bus entered into a
Participation Agreement with Auckland Transport to provide an interim
electronic ticketing system that would ultimately interoperate with the
AIFS-based bus, rail and ferry operators. Snapper's work plan, developed
together with Auckland Transport, is designed to deliver integrated ticketing
for NZ Bus passengers by November 30, 2012 and success is dependent on all
parties working together. Both the national standard and Auckland Transport's
implementation plan are still subject to change.

The current "HOP" system in Auckland uses Snapper technology and NZ Bus
operates approximately 50% of all public transport journeys in Auckland.
Working with the other bus companies who service the remainder is Parkeon as
an additional supplier -  it is unclear when Parkeon will achieve the
required equipment and system standards.

On 18th June 2012, Snapper received a notice from Auckland Transport,
alleging various breaches of the participation agreement and a claim for
damages. The basis of these claims has not been clarified and the notice
incorporates a number of significant errors and inaccuracies. Infratil and
Snapper strongly refute the allegations made and we will make our response to
the detailed claims known as appropriate.
Snapper and its parent Infratil have made significant investments in
developing enhanced capability across our public transport business. As of
today Snapper has the only fully functioning electronic ticketing capability
in New Zealand and has received no funding from Auckland Transport or NZTA.
Rhoda Phillippo
Chair, Snapper Services Limited
For more information, please phone:
+64 (4) 473 3663
End CA:00224284 For:IFT    Type:GENERAL    Time:2012-06-26 11:38:24