Skip to main content

UK rail system to get interoperable smartcards

ESP Group has been appointed by the UK’s Rail Settlement Plan to provide personalisation, encoding and fulfilment services for a major smartcard programme that will simplify travel for millions of passengers on the UK’s busiest train network. The company’s smartcard operation Systex will produce and issue a range of powerful contactless smart tokens for short and long term use that will include high capacity microprocessor cards, lower capacity smart tickets, wristbands, key fobs and accessories. The
January 8, 2015 Read time: 2 mins
ESP Group has been appointed by the UK’s Rail Settlement Plan to provide personalisation, encoding and fulfilment services for a major smartcard programme that will simplify travel for millions of passengers on the UK’s busiest train network.

The company’s smartcard operation Systex will produce and issue a range of powerful contactless smart tokens for short and long term use that will include high capacity microprocessor cards, lower capacity smart tickets, wristbands, key fobs and accessories.

The 1837 Department for Transport’s South East Flexible Ticketing programme (SEFT) will set the standard for interoperable rail travel across National Rail. This programme is the most complex implementation of a smart ticketing service to date in the UK and will eventually offer travellers the chance to travel within the region using a smart card which is valid across many individual train operators and modes of transport.

ESP Group CEO Terry Dunn commented: “We are delighted to be working with RSP to deliver smartcards for such a ground-breaking project. The powerful microprocessor smartcard platform at the core of the system provides future proofing through its capacity, flexibility and compatibility with mobile solutions.”

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Chicago’s Metra rail system implements PTC
    September 7, 2015
    US systems integrator Parsons has been selected by Metra, Chicago’s commuter rail operator, to install positive train control (PTC) technology on its commuter rail trains. PTC, which is federally mandated, is high tech collision avoidance technology that monitors and controls train movements. It is intended to prevent train to train collisions, over-speed derailments, incursions into established work zones, and movement of trains through a main line switch left in an improper position. As prime contra
  • Los Angeles Express Lanes links multiple modes of transportation
    January 25, 2012
    The Big Apple's loss is the City of Angels's gain, according to Ken Philmus
  • Tattile has eyes on Buenos Aires
    May 9, 2024
    Tattile has provided its high-performance free-flow ANPR system consisting of Vega Smart 2HD camera and Axle Counter cameras - powered by artificial intelligence - to the capital of Argentina. David Arminas reports
  • Terrestrial solution to stellar shortcomings
    December 5, 2013
    Inherent weaknesses in satellite communications are leading several countries to re-evaluate terrestrial-based backup systems. There is a tale frequently told in satellite navigation circles, of how landing systems at Newark Airport were disrupted by a truck driver using GPS jamming equipment as he drove along the New Jersey Turnpike. While there was no threat to flight safety as the interference to GPS reference stations being tested, the story highlights how apparently benign threats have the potential t