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[tamaki-makaubro]

A custom AT HOP ring created by Auckland university student Raymond Hu. Hu melted down the plastic HOP card using acetone, leaving only the RFID chip and the wire coil, then encased them in clear resin. This is the only one of its kind. Picture from Stuff.

[tamaki-makaubro]

Hop Card Variations

1. The "Purple HOP Card" The first iteration of the HOP card was developed by Snapper from 2009-2011, the company who supplies the integrated ticketing system for Metlink in Wellington. The cards could be used exclusively on NZ Bus services, even though the Auckland Regional Transport Authority had awarded the contract to develop the ticketing system to Thales Group, a different company. When the ARTA became Auckland Transport after the seven city and district councils were disestablished, AT phased out the Snapper card over 2012-2014 in favour of the new card by Thales Company, also called HOP.

2. Pilot Smartcard An pilot version of the AT HOP card developed by Thales Group in 2011, which could be used on trains, buses and ferries.

3. Gold AT HOP card The gold card allows senior citizens who are eligible for a SuperGold concession to travel for free on trains and selected bus and ferry services in Auckland, after 9am weekdays and all day weekends and public holidays. The card was rolled out in July 2016.

4. Electric Train card A limited edition AT HOP card released in 2014 to celebrate the first electric trains on Auckland's rail network.

5. Te Ara Haepapa card A limited edition AT HOP card given out to 100 students at nine schools across Auckland in 2019, as part of the Te Ara Haepapa programme, which aims to educate young Maori people about road safety and alternative travel options like public transport. The cards were handed out for free and came pre-loaded with child concessions.

6. America's Cup card A limited edition AT HOP card released in 2020 for the 36th America's Cup.

7. Total Mobility card A special AT HOP card available for eligible Total Mobility members, a national scheme which supports people who cannot use public transport to travel, all or some of the time. The card was rolled out in September 2017.

8. Big Gold Card A giant novelty card awarded to Tui, Auckland Council's oldest pest detection dog, to celebrate her December 2019 retirement after 11 years.