METRO VANCOUVER – Those TransLink “smart cards” and fare gates heading for service in 2013 got a step closer this week with selection of three companies to submit proposals for the multi-million-dollar electronic payment system.
The three consortia are: Thales/Octopus International Projects, which has provided systems in Hong Kong; Serco/Parkeon, which created a system for Perth in Australia; and Cubic/IBM, whose systems include London’s “Oyster Card.”
TransLink’s smart cards will be loadable with funds that will be drawn down by electronic readers that calculate fares based on point of entry, departure, route and time of day.
The transit authority says the data will allow it to plan service more efficiently by generating a “significant amount of data” on how riders use the system.
As part of the project, fare gates will be installed in SkyTrain and SeaBus stations, which were built without them. Modifications will also be made to Expo Line SkyTrain stations, most of which were not designed with enough space for fare gates.
TransLink officials said Friday that Victoria will contribute $40 million to the project, Ottawa $30 million and the remainder could be covered by TransLink.
The three consortia will be asked in June to develop formal proposals. A contract – which will include operation and maintenance of the system for 10 years – will be awarded later this year.
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