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We’ve chosen a supplier for our smartcard and faregate system!

We’ve chosen a supplier for our smartcard and faregate system!

The Oyster Card and a tube map from the London UK transit system. Photo by amandabhslater on Flickr --- click the pic to go to the original!

This just in—after evaluating proposals submitted by three shortlisted suppliers, TransLink has chosen Cubic/IBM to design, build and operate our electronic smart card and faregate system!

Cubic/IBM has built a number of fare card systems around the world before, including London’s Oyster Card, San Francisco’s Clipper Card and Metro Atlanta’s Breeze Card. We’ve also worked with them on projects in the past.

Our project team will be finalizing the contract with Cubic/IBM in the New Year, and you can also look forward to the announcement of the name and design of our smartcard in January 2011.

Check out the TransLink website’s section on smartcards and faregates for updated info, including a new backgrounder on Cubic/IBM and the selection process. You can also see the Buzzer blog’s past posts on the smartcards and faregates project.

And here’s an excerpt from our press release:

TransLink has selected Cubic Transportation Systems with IBM Canada as the preferred proponent to design, build and operate the electronic smart card and faregate system, set to begin operations in the Metro Vancouver transit system by 2013.

TransLink’s new system is expected to increase the efficiency, effectiveness and security of the transit network by providing a convenient and seamless “one card” approach for customers to travel all modes of transit. As well faregates will provide a visual and physical deterrent to entering the system without payment. The new system will also accept contactless bank-issued cards for tourists, casual riders and others and will allow TransLink to collect important trip and ridership data to enable more coordinated system planning and deployment.

Cubic Transportation Systems, a subsidiary of Cubic Corporation, has demonstrated experience in successful delivery and service of large AFC (automatic fare collection) systems worldwide, including:

  • London Prestige Project Oyster® Card System
  • Metropolitan Atlanta Breeze® Card System
  • Los Angeles Metro TAP™ Card System
  • San Francisco Bay Area ClipperSM Card System
  • Miami Dade County EASY® Card System
  • Brisbane, Australia go Card System

IBM has been recognized by its customers and industry analysts across North America as being a leader in the Customer Relationship Management (CRM)/Call Center services and solution marketplace. They have supplied systems and services in British Columbia since 1921.

The Cubic/IBM team was selected from a group of three pre-qualified companies, including Thales/Octopus International Projects and Serco/Parkeon who participated in the request for proposal process.

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