Lazarus Tcard lives again

The NSW Government this morning released an "expressions of interest" document to try and find suppliers to resurrect the failed Tcard project, an electronic ticketing system for NSW public transport.

The document was released by Deputy Premier and Minister for Transport John Watkins, who said in a statement the state was "looking to provide an electronic integrated ticketing system based on proven technology that will provide value for money, faster and more convenient travel".

The project was originally contracted to transport systems company ERG's subsidiary ITSL, but the AU$95 million project was cancelled in January after a series of failures.

Watkins said the new ticket system would be similar to e-tags for motorists, where you only pay for the transport you use. Commuters will be able to top up the cards online, over the phone and at retail outlets, in the hope of reducing queues.

Watkins said he would wait to see which companies registered an expression of interest before giving a timeline for the project.

"We want to see what the market and key industry players are able to offer, and get the best product and deal for commuters," he said. Registrations for expressions of interest close at 9.30am on Thursday 16 October 2008.