MetraTech Corp., the ERG Group, and the Utah Transport Authority (UTA) signed a contract for ERG to develop and implement an account-based fare collection system which will include acceptance of contactless credit cards. MetraTech Corp’s MetraNet product to power the solution.
The MetraNet-based ERG solution will allow a variety of contactless cards to be used for fare payment including UTA-issued cards, employer provided smart cards as well as contactless credit cards. At full system rollout, the system will feature a unique-to-ERG onboard rapid authorization of contactless credit cards to minimize any risk of credit card fraud.
The contract follows a highly successful pilot project in which buses serving Salt Lake City ski areas were equipped with the payment system. In addition to the choice of contactless credit cards, this allowed customers to use smart cards for both transit payment and ski resort access. In addition to offering a significant flexibility advantage to customers, the system in this way also encourages green initiatives by enabling employers and organizations to subsidize travel via access to their own internal smart cards.
MetraNet was selected for the project because of its ability to support the unique requirements outlined by UTA in a product-based environment. Its ability to dynamically adapt to and bill for UTA’s new business model reduced both the cost and time-to-market of the project.
Development of the system will be a collaborative effort. According to Clair Fliet, UTA Chief Technology Officer, “We were looking for a company that could deliver the cutting edge solution we
envisioned to help UTA implement a dynamic new business model. ERG, with MetraTech, proved they had the experience and attitude to make this happen.”
John Inglish, UTA General Manager added, “acceptance of contactless credit cards at the farebox will bring a whole new level of convenience to our customers. By working with this leading-edge technology, the system becomes more efficient for all our customers, drivers, and administrative staff.”
Commented Scott Swartz, Chief Executive Officer, MetraTech Corp., “Our solution for ERG again underlines MetraNet’s suitability for and impact in the transportation sector. It also adds another exciting project to our company’s growing repertoire of solutions for innovative business models. Ranging from Blyk in the telecommunications sector to Dish Networks in the media sector to, now, UTA in the transport sector, a growing number of today’s leading companies are relying on infrastructure provided by MetraTech to transform their business models.”
Concluded Steve Gallagher, ERG’s Executive Director, Operations, “We’re extremely pleased to be partnering with MetraTech Corp. in providing this ground-breaking solution for UTA.” MetraTech will also support ERG’s roll-out of this solution to the wider industry after the UTA implementation is completed.
About MetraTech
MetraTech Corp. offers an innovative approach to charging, billing, settlement and customer care enabling organizations to embrace change without compromise. MetraNet, their flagship product, is unique in its ability to automate business processes and business models that address rapidly changing, complex or radical business strategies across any industry for an unlimited number of services. MetraNet is deployed globally, enabling diverse customers to build innovative and successful business models, securely collect revenue, and manage their entire customer lifecycle in some 12 languages, 26 currencies and 90 countries. MetraTech offers a variety of delivery options ranging from licensing to outsourcing. Headquartered in Boston, MetraTech has offices in San Francisco, Frankfurt, Paris, Singapore, Rio de Janeiro and London. MetraTech is a venture-backed, privately held company whose investors include Accel Partners, Bessemer Venture Partners, Meritech Capital, and Vesbridge Partners.
For more information, please visit their website: http://www.metratech.com
About ERG Group
The ERG Group is a world leader in the development of integrated fare management and software systems for the transit industry and for its smart card systems and services. The Group has installed systems in major cities throughout the world including Hong Kong, Melbourne, Rome, San Francisco and Singapore.