April 2005 - Transport Ticketing in Scotland Moves Ahead

Ecebs Limited are delighted to announce that the Scottish Executive have ordered 6500 ISAMs (ITSO Security Application Modules) to deliver a transport application on the new Scottish citizens voluntary entitlement card.

The Scottish Executive is seeking to develop and modernise all aspects of public transport delivery in Scotland. These responsibilities will be part of the remit of the new Scottish Transport Agency.

Passengers require flexible products that offer value for money and convenience; transport operators require flexible systems that provide the information needed for successful planning. Smart card technology based on the ITSO specification has been identified as the most appropriate means of fulfilling these objectives, which include the delivery of concessionary travel across the whole of Scotland.

ISAMs are required in an ITSO system to provide the trust upon which the scheme is based. The purchase of these ISAMs is the first step in implementing an ITSO-based scheme across Scotland. The use of such an open standard will give a strong foundation for the provision of further services.

Mike Eastham, General Manager of ITSO, says, "We are delighted at this demonstration of the progress that ITSO is making. This time next year, millions of people in the UK will be using ITSO cards to gain access to their travel and other benefits". Mel Pashley, Sales Director of Ecebs, adds, "More than 25,000 ISAMs have now been ordered, and Ecebs are proud to have developed the innovative technology - a four megabyte smartcard - that has made it all possible"

Further information:

ITSO: info@itso.org.uk or access the website www.itso.org.uk