The Auckland Regional Transport Authority is in talks with Visa Inc. to expand the function of the new "super ticket" system that the agency has planned for the New Zealand city's public transport system.
An official at the authority's public service department confirmed last week that the discussions are under way but would not comment further. Visa representatives could not be reached for comment.
In November of last year, the authority announced the signing of an agreement with the French technology vendor Thales Group, the New Zealand Transport Agency and the Auckland Regional Council for a "super" transport ticket for Auckland. Through the initiative, the authority would offer a single ticket that consumers could use on trains, buses and ferries.
The planners expect the project to be operational by September, before the Rugby World Cup.
The authority last fall said the new system eventually would be able to process small payments, such as coffee purchases and parking meter charges.
