Parkeon is playing a key role in a cutting edge transport communication system being pioneered in Reading. 

The Reading Buses NFC pilot is part of a £1.8million project based around the application of emerging WiMAX wireless communications technology in combination with Wi-Fi and the latest mobile phone 3G communications services.

The trial is enabling Reading Borough Council to improve traffic flow management at times of high demand and to provide bus passengers with a more accurate Real-Time Passenger Information System.

Parkeon’s role has been to augment its on-bus Wayfarer ticketing system to facilitate payment through NFC mobile phone transactions.

“As an alternative to the current Reading Buses’ Smartcards, passengers are able to present their mobile phones when boarding,” says Parkeon Marketing Director Philip Ayles. “The beauty of this pilot is the ease of which both ticketing methods are accepted.

“We have partnered with Orange to ensure that our on-vehicle ticketing systems are fully compliant, enabling NFC transactions from the validation unit through to the back office. We have been delighted with the results.”

NFC eradicates the need for passengers to carry cash, bank cards, security or travel passes, and tickets. NFC-enabled SIM cards mean handsets can be used for a combination of daily-life needs, whether buying a drink, going to a football game or taking a bus. Users swipe their mobile phone at dedicated terminals or readers, making shopping, commuting or entering buildings simpler, safer and more convenient.

www.parkeon.com

Ends

Media enquiries to:

Philip Colley, Harvest

Tel: 023 9244 9655/ Mobile 07785 306378/ Diese E-Mail-Adresse ist gegen Spam Bots geschützt, Sie müssen JavaScript aktivieren, damit Sie es sehen können

Notes to Editors:

Parkeon is a key player in global parking and transport management solutions. With a 35 year history in the sector, the company is at the forefront of innovation, and has a presence in 40 countries and 3,000 cities worldwide. The company’s headquarters is in France, while it has offices across Europe (Belgium, Germany, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom) and in the United States, employing over 1,100 people world wide.

Parkeon’s portfolio of products and systems is designed to ease congested streets and facilitate traffic flow. As a global leader in payment and ticketing solutions for parking and mass transit, Parkeon has played a significant role in the development of Pay & Display technology.

Formerly Schlumberger’s Parking and Ticketing division, Parkeon formed in November 2003. In June 2007, Barclays Private Equity (France) became the major shareholder in Parkeon and the company posted revenues of €155 million in 2007. Parkeon prides itself on its participatory management style – since December 2007, 30% of its employees have become shareholders in the business.

Parkeon’s Wayfarer automatic fare collection systems lead the way in integrated fare revenue and back office systems developed for the public transport industry, providing solutions that range from smart card technology and electronic ticketing equipment to CCTV security, GPS and mobile data networks. This expertise ensures that Parkeon holds 80% of the UK bus operator market, with 40% of its production destined for overseas markets. In all, in excess of 400,000 Wayfarer electronic ticketing machines and supporting equipment have been supplied worldwide - more than any other fare revenue product range in the world. Based in Poole, Dorset, Parkeon has Wayfarer equipment service centres in Croydon, Bristol, Manchester and Edinburgh, as well as in Elizabeth, New Jersey and Kingston, Jamaica. 

www.parkeon.com