Vix Technology wins $US30m contract with Dallas transit operator
Australian founded and headquartered smart ticketing and payment technology company, Vix Technology, has been awarded a contract to upgrade the transit ticketing and payments system for the city of Dallas – a deal with an estimated value of $US30 million over five years.
Vix Technology has been selected by Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) to implement a new, comprehensive fare payment system. The deal builds on a successful year for the company, following transit ticketing contract wins in Malaysia, Rome and Thailand earlier in 2015.
The solution will be delivered through Vix’s eO (easy and open) product – an account based, open payments and PCI compliant fare collection platform. This new system will provide DART customers with the flexibility to pay via NFC-enabled smartphones, third party or agency-issued transit cards, or use EMV contactless cards.
DART executive vice-president and chief financial officer, David Leininger, said the new technology system from Vix will allow commuters in Dallas to pay and travel on the city’s buses and light rail network using their contactless bank cards and NFC-enabled smartphones and make DART one of the most advanced networks in the world.
“The partnership with Vix Technology will put our region on the map with some of the most advanced fare collection systems in the world, providing a seamless and more user-friendly experience,” he mentioned.
Vix Americas general manager, Doug Thomas, said forward-thinking transit agencies like DART recognise that account-based systems are the new standard for modern fare collection as they provide flexibility and ensure future-proof solutions that reduce costs.
“The introduction of a new contactless fare collection system that maximises convenience for riders in Dallas is a sign that transit operators are embracing innovative ways to improve customer experience and drive increased ridership,” he said.
The company said, in a statement, that the new transit system technology is particularly of interest in Australia as the Queensland government looks to upgrade the current gocard system with similar technology.
