Cubic has a licensing agreement with Transport for London which allows it to deploy vital parts of the back office code, including fare calculation and customer accounts, developed in-house by TfL for its own contactless bus, Tube and Overground ticketing system.
TfL decided to code the system in-house after an assessment of commercial solutions concluded that none would offer the same flexibility or value for money.
The agency’s deal with Cubic is worth up to £15m for the London taxpayer, all of which will be re-invested into the capital’s transport network.
The Queensland deal follows successful bids by Cubic which will see it upgrade ticketing systems in New York and Boston.
In London, more than half of all Tube and rail pay as you go journeys are now paid for using contactless debit and credit cards, or digital wallet services such as Apple Pay and Google Pay.
By harnessing TfL’s proven code, Cubic is able to help other major cities modernise their fares and ticketing offers.
“This is an exciting partnership that would provide Queenslanders with one of the most advanced, flexible and secure public transport payment systems in the world,” said Mark Bailey, Minister for Transport and Main Roads.
“This payment solution will bring more convenience and freedom of choice for commuters.
“We’re delighted that proven technology already used across London, Chicago and Vancouver will be further enhanced for the benefit of Queensland commuters.”
Cubic President Matt Cole said: “This new ticketing system to be installed by Cubic will provide Queensland commuters with more options and greater payment flexibility in how to pay their fares.
“Riders want speed, convenience and a more efficient travel experience. The new ticketing system will deliver just that.”
Commenting on today’s deal, Shashi Verma, TfL Chief Technology Officer and the key architect behind London’s contactless fares revolution, said: “As cities become smarter and more reliant on public transport, technology like this provides customers with a simple and convenient way of paying the right fare at the right time, without the need to purchase a ticket.
“This contactless ticketing system is helping commuters all around the world and it’s great that Brisbane will soon benefit from this technology.”
