Birmingham, October 5, 2011 - As demand grows for sophisticated smartcard systems, Transdev Blazefield has become the latest bus operator to invest in advanced on-vehicle and back-office systems capable of optimising the benefits of ITSO ticketing architecture.

Transdev Blazefield, which operates services in Yorkshire, has placed two orders with leading ticketing technology company Parkeon for its Wayfarer200 on-vehicle platform to replace its Wayfarer3 system. Initially, the bus operator will install the new ticketing system at its Keighley & District depot, with work scheduled for completion in November 2011. The next phase will see the Harrogate & District depot join the smart network in 2012.

Geoff Lomax, Transdev Blazefield's Commercial Director Yorkshire said "From the outset, one of the critical requirements for this investment has been the ability of the new smartcard system to read both commercial and ENCTS cards. Parkeon has a proven track record of delivering this functionality – and we are now looking forward to unlocking the benefits both of integrating this 'read' capability and streamlining the introduction of new smartcard products. Additionally we continue working with Parkeon and with Metro and other West Yorkshire operators to ensure the smooth migration of the MetroCard range of multi-operator multi-modal ticket products to the ITSO platform."

Once installed, the Transdev Blazefield system will communicate with the Yorcard HOPS for both concessionary and commercial smartcard transactions, including supporting the Yorcard Stored Travel Right (e-purse) scheme for the region.

Parkeon's Wayfarer200 platform will interface to existing systems such as RTPI devices and will incorporate remote configuration tools that will facilitate the introduction of new products. The system will extend as far afield as Burnley in Lancashire, where Parkeon will be installing client access to the system.

The Transdev Blazefield investment is aligned to the Government's incentive linked to ITSO based technology.

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