Another integrated ticketing system order – this time for the greater Paris region. Following orders for ticketing systems in Norway, Toulouse and Venice, Ascom's Transport Revenue Division has won another order for a public transport fare collection system: Ascom is to equip more than 3,600 vehicles in the transport networks of the greater Paris region (L'Île de France), collectively known as OPTILE (Organisation professionnelle des Transports d’Île-de-France). This includes vehicles of multinational operators Connex, Keolis and Transdev, as well as the majority of independent transport operators. The project is worth more than EUR 24 million (CHF 37 million) and the system will be operational from 2006.
Ascom is to install more than 10,000 devices (validators, consoles, portable control terminals) in 3,600 vehicles plying 1,000 routes. In addition, Ascom's 64 "CATS®" (Computer Assisted Ticketing Systems) will provide operators with the information they need to support customer loyalty activities. The systems will record data for operators (and the umbrella organisation STIF, Syndicat des Transports d'Île-de-France) and, using bank-type security mechanisms, manage annual revenues of more than EUR 400 million, guaranteeing outstandingly high data reliability.
This solution from Ascom permits public transport passengers in the Paris region to use contactless tickets of the kind already introduced by RATP (Régie autonome des transports parisiens) and SNCF (Société nationale de chemins de fer), paving the way for contactless ticketing in the entire Paris region.
Installation and maintenance of equipment and systems will be carried out by a team of Ascom technicians based in Asnières, which is located at the heart of the OPTILE network.
"Following on from the installation of 4,000 contactless control terminals and 800 machines for topping up contactless tickets for the Paris underground network, this order confirms Ascom's position as a leading provider of this forward-looking technology," says Riet Cadonau, General Manager of Ascom Transport Revenue.
About Ascom
Ascom is an international solution provider with comprehensive technological know-how. In future the company aims to concentrate on the core areas of Wireless Solutions (high-value, customer-specific on-site communications solutions) and Security Solutions (applications for security, communication, automation and control systems for infrastructure operators, public security institutions and the army). The other areas mainly comprise Transport Revenue (fare collection, parking and toll collection systems) and Network Integration (network solutions for the data/voice convergence market). With a wealth of experience in implementing complex projects for discerning customers, Ascom has established itself in important key markets. Offerings range from analysis and consulting to system design and system integration, project management, engineering and implementation, right through to maintenance and support. The company has subsidiaries in 22 countries and a workforce of some 3,800 employees worldwide. Ascom registered shares (ASCN) are listed on the SWX Swiss Exchange in Zurich.
The Transport Revenue Division is a leading, globally active provider of integrated solutions for transport infrastructures. Acknowledged experts with years of technological and branch-specific experience implement tailor-made solutions for the automation of revenue collection – for public transport, for toll collection and for car park operators. A high level of standardisation, flexibility and openness to other components distinguishes the comprehensive solutions delivered by Transport Revenue.
