Victoria attracts global players in Smartcard ticketing

Transcription

1 For Immediate Release 20 December 2004 Victoria attracts global players in Smartcard ticketing The Authority (TTA) has completed the first stage of the evaluation process in its search for a world class provider of smartcard technology for Victoria s new public transport ticketing system. The TTA Board has short-listed four bids from a field of 10 responses to the Request for Tender (RFT) which closed on 22nd October. The short-listed tenderers are: Downer Engineering Power Pty Ltd; ERG Transit Systems Ltd; Keane Incorporated; and Manta.T (consortium of ADI Ltd, MTR Corporation Ltd and Thales e- Transactions CGA S.A). TTA s CEO, Mr Vivian Miners, said the RFT had attracted detailed bids from companies and consortia with experience working with ticketing systems throughout the world. The market has responded positively and favourably to the requirements of the Request for Tender, and the quality of the bids were generally of a high calibre. There is strong competition in the global marketplace and all are striving to win the contract, added Mr Miners. The Smartcard is a durable plastic card, which can store value similar to a pre-paid phone card, only more flexible, smarter and re-loadable. Smartcard only needs to be scanned for less than half a second and can be used from inside a wallet or handbag. Page 1 of 5 20/12/04

2 Regular users will have the option of loading value on their Smartcards using credit cards, debit cards or cash at train stations, dedicated machines, online or via telephone. Key features of the new Smartcard system will be the ability to automatically give both regular and casual users the lowest fare. It can be extended in the future to include non-transit applications. The next stage in the evaluation process will include international site visits to test key features specifically required for Victoria s unique public transport system. The New Ticketing contract will be announced during the first quarter of 2005 and the system will be introduced during ends- For further information please contact: Joanna Stepp Authority Telephone: (0) Mobile: joanna.stepp@doi.vic.gov.au Or Didem Findlay Authority Telephone: (0) Mobile: didem.findlay@doi.vic.gov.au Page 2 of 5 20/12/04

3 Summary profile of Tenderers (listed alphabetically) A Downer Engineering Downer EDI Limited is an Australian top-150 company, which provides comprehensive engineering and infrastructure management services to the public and private transport, energy, communications and resources sectors in Australia, New Zealand and Asia. Downer's 30 years experience in ticketing includes the introduction of Australia's first integrated city-wide ticketing solution which is currently being upgraded to smartcards. Downer's team of subcontractors includes: Ascom Ascom is an international provider of services for telecommunications systems, integrated voice and data communications, wireless and corded security solutions and networked revenue collection systems. Accenture Accenture is a global management consulting, technology services and outsourcing company. Accenture collaborates with its clients to help them become high-performance businesses and governments. Wayfarer Wayfarer Transit Systems is a provider of integrated fare revenue and back office systems to the public transport industry worldwide. Its expertise in smart card technology, electronic ticketing equipment, GPS, radio LAN, operating software, customer training, maintenance and service ensures that Wayfarer is able to deliver technology-led solutions for public transport operators. Page 3 of 5 20/12/04

4 B ERG Transit Systems ERG Transit Systems provides integrated automated fare collection solutions for all transport modes utilising smart cards, magnetic stripe and paper. The Company specialises in implementing and operating fully integrated systems for transit operators: from high-volume Central processing to depot and station computer software, to on-vehicle and on-station equipment. The Company s sites include Hong Kong, Melbourne, Rome, San Francisco, Singapore, Las Vegas, Gothenburg, Seattle, Stockholm, Sydney and Washington DC. ERG has delivered systems that support more than 20 million smart cards and handle approximately 5 billion transactions per annum. ERG has over 25 years experience gained from 33 countries, 280 systems, and more than 100,000 products. C Keane Keane, Inc. (NYSE: KEA), helps clients to improve their business operations and IT effectiveness by delivering a broad range of business consulting and outsourcing services designed to achieve near-term and sustainable business benefit. Specifically, Keane focuses on three highly synergistic service offerings: Application Outsourcing, Application Development & Integration, and Business Process Outsourcing. Keane believes that business and IT improvements are best realised by streamlining and optimising business and IT processes, implementing rigorous management disciplines, and fostering a culture of accountability through meaningful performance metrics. Keane delivers its services through an integrated network of branch offices in North America and the United Kingdom, and via SEI CMMI Level 5 evaluated Advanced Development Centers (ADCs) in Canada and India. Page 4 of 5 20/12/04

5 D Manta.T The Manta.T consortium comprises three companies: ADI Limited ADI is an Australian defence, engineering and systems contractor. The company provides a broad spectrum of technologies, products, services and systems, both in the defence and commercial sectors. The ownership of ADI by the Australian engineering and infrastructure company, Transfield Holdings and leading international defence and electronics company Thales, in a 50:50 joint venture, has provided it with the ability to target global opportunities. MTR Corporation Ltd MTR is the owner and operator of the major public transport system in Hong Kong, which carries in excess of 2.3 million passengers a day. In addition to its expertise in project management and property development, associated with the railway network, the MTR has gained a worldwide reputation in terms of its operational expertise and performance reliability. MTR is the founding company and the major shareholder of Octopus Cards Ltd, which operates the Hong Kong smart-card system. Thales Thales is an international electronics and systems group, serving defence, aerospace, services and security markets. The Transport & Energy activity of Thales provides systems, products and services for automatic fare collection, operator support and access control applications. Thales references in the field of contactless technology include contracts in the Netherlands, France, Oslo, Bangkok, Taiwan, Nanjing, Singapore, New Delhi, Hong Kong. Page 5 of 5 20/12/04