Celebrating the export of Octopus to Holland are (from left)Eric Tai of Octopus: Andre Brouwer, consul-general of the Netherlands; Secretary of Commerce John Tsang and MTRC's Phil Gaffney

The public transport network in the Netherlands will soon have a new e-ticketing system with the introduction of contactless smart card technology from Hong Kong's MTR Corporation Ltd and its subsidiary Octopus Cards.

The two firms will be responsible for providing the central clearing system software and operating the electronic ticketing system for the country's public transport network which includes trains, buses, trams, metro and ferries. The Octopus smart card will replace the use of individual tickets and personal subscriptions.

"This is an important first step for the Octopus technology to establish its presence in one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world," said Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology John Tsang at a recent function to celebrate MTRC's international deal to export Hong Kong's expertise to the world.   

According to the Netherlands consul-general in Hong Kong, Andre Brouwer, the system will be launched in Rotterdam first, followed by Amsterdam and other cities. Five public transport companies are involved, including the country's rail operator, Nederlands Spoorwegen, bus and tramway operator ConneXXion, the public transport companies of Rotterdam (RET) and Amsterdam (GVB), as well as HTM, which runs the light train system in the Hague.

When the system is in full operation, more than two million passengers per day are expected to use the national transport smart card system.

MTRC acting chief executive Phil Gaffney said the company will continue to extend the use of the Octopus card technology overseas. "We are confident that this will be the first of many and the names of MTR and Octopus will be instantly recognised around the world as the leader in this field."

The Dutch project, the first phase of which is scheduled for completion next September, was awarded to a three-company consortium, East West, comprising Thales, Accenture and Vialas. Thales sub-contracted part of the job to MTRC and Octopus. 

Hong Kong's Octopus smart card system was launched in 1997. Currently, 10 million Octopus cards are in circulation with the Octopus system handling about 8 million transactions per day, amounting to HK$54 million (US$6.9 million).

Related link:
MTRC www.mtr.com.hk