05.08.15
Smart ticketing contractor ditched in Greater Manchester
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has scrapped its deal with private firm Atos to deliver smart ticketing across the Metrolink tram network, local rail services and the rest of the public transport infrastructure.
In a joint statement by TfGM and Atos, seen by RTM, the transport body said that “after a considerable period of delay it has become clear that Atos cannot deliver the smart ticketing system as contracted”.
The ITSO-compliant ‘get me there’ smartcard scheme was introduced in October 2014 for people with concessionary travel passes, but had not yet been extended to the general public.
Atos was contracted in 2012 to design, build and operate the ticketing system for Greater Manchester to be rolled out on Metrolink and possibly to bus and rail.
However the private firm came short on their agreement, capping the current access to the smart cards at the existing 500,000 concessionary card holders.
“The parties have decided that it is in their best interests to agree to a mutual termination of the contract, on commercial terms, the details of which remain confidential between parties,” the statement said.
TfGM will receive “substantial compensations” for the costs incurred during the process, which will enable them to develop another smart ticketing system with alternative suppliers.
Despite the shortcoming, Atos is collaborating with TfGM to make sure existing smartcard services are maintained and that concessionary car holders can later transition to new providers.
A TfGM spokesperson said: “Given [our] commitment to deliver an integrated smart ticketing scheme, and with the opportunities afforded to us by the forthcoming Buses Bill, it is only right that TfGM re-thinks its approach to the ‘get me there’ scheme to ensure that it is flexible and fit for the future. This has allowed TfGM to bring in a range of experts to look more closely at just what customers want and how we expect their needs to change.”
The future roll-out of the scheme to rail passengers is depends on who wins the franchise competitions for the next Northern and TransPennine franchises. The winners of both competitions are due to be announced in December. The ‘get me there’ website says: “Once the new train operating franchise has been awarded, we'll be working very closely with them to bring get me there to rail services as soon as possible.”
More details on the roll-out of the ‘get me there’ scheme will be revealed in the next few months and travel efficiency developments are expected to be announced later this year.