IT giant Atos has lost the contract for the ‘Get me there’ ticketing system after severe delays.
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) appointed Atos in 2012 to design, build and operate the Oyster card-style system but said today it had terminated the supplier’s contract by mutual agreement.
It was supposed to be rolled out across the Metrolink tram network with the hope that it could be extended onto buses and rail services across Greater Manchester.
Atos would pay TfGM “substantial compensation” for the costs incurred over delays, said the transport authority.
“Although the system is currently operational for use by our 500,000 concessionary card holders, after a considerable period of delay it has become clear that Atos cannot deliver the smart ticketing system as contracted,” said a joint statement released today.
Despite the rise of contactless payments and mobile apps TfGM denied that it had scrapped ‘Get me there’ all together.
It said more than 60,000 smart journeys are now taking place every week.
The statement continued: “Given TfGM’s commitment to deliver an integrated smart ticketing scheme, and with the opportunities afforded to us by the forthcoming Bus Bill, which will allow the Mayor to set fares and to franchise buses in a controlled way from 2017, it is only right that TfGM re-thinks its approach to the get me there scheme to ensure that it is flexible and fit for the future.”
