Vix Technology, a global leader in transit ticketing and payment solutions, has been awarded a single framework agreement covering a consortium of six local authorities for the supply and maintenance of a new real time passenger information (RTPI) system.
 
Supporting around 70 million passenger journeys a year, following a successful 8-year tenure as RTPI supplier for the region, the new systems will link to existing and newly deployed displays, providing bus passenger information, traffic light priority, and a range of third party links and digital outputs including mobile and web. The agreement includes the introduction of new solar powered, low energy e-ink displays, alongside the support of the existing LED and TFT display network.
 
Led by Cambridgeshire County Council, the single tender was issued by Bedford Borough Council, Central Bedfordshire Council, Luton Council, Northamptonshire County Council and Peterborough City Council, covering a combined total of 850 on-street and summary displays across the region. The framework also covers the Cambridge Guided Busway, the Luton Dunstable Guided Busway and the key interchanges and bus stations across the consortium area. 
 
Richard Lumley, Head of Highways for Cambridgeshire County Council, said: “Having a single contractor for the consortium has reduced costs and improved efficiency, while delivering consistent and reliable passenger information across our region. All of the six local authorities in the framework are looking forward to continuing our work with Vix.”
 
Jonathan Power, General Manager, Europe for Vix Technology, said: “To drive adoption of public transport, you need to provide passengers with information that lets them use those transit services effectively, avoiding unnecessary waiting at the bus stop and completing their trips faster. We’ve improved the journeys of passengers across the region for many years, from cross boundary travellers to commuters, and we are delighted to have the opportunity to continue to work with our partners for the benefit of passengers in the area.” 
 
The scope includes all central system hosting, hardware maintenance, periodic inspections, technology supply and installation activities.  In addition to the maintenance activities, Vix Technology will also be required to supply and install new Passenger Information Points for all council led projects. 
 
The contract will run for five years, with a three-year extension against key performance targets.