CHINA: Fare collection technology supplier Scheidt & Bachmann and the Octopus Applications Ltd commercialisation subsidiary of the company which runs Hong Kong’s smart card system have formed a global partnership to offer ticketing services.
The partners plan to offer systems enabling passengers to use a range of contactless fare media including operator-issued smart cards, bank cards, corporate cards and mobile devices. Transport operators would have access to intelligent data analytics and business rule management, facilitating the deployment of ‘customer-centric’ policies including fare capping and best fare charging.
Announcing the partnership on September 30, Scheidt & Bachmann said it would bring its global expertise in ticketing, including production of fare collection equipment and the management of complex tariffs and multiple devices. OAL contributes the expertise of sister company Octopus Cards Ltd, which has a proven track record in supplying and operating large-scale stored value payment systems.
- A programme has begun to replace Hong Kong’s first generation of Octopus cards, which pre-date the NFC standard and so cannot be used with the transaction enquiry and online payment app.
