Latest news with #modernization
CTV News
a day ago
- Business
- CTV News
ARTM awards $146M contract to UK company to replace OPUS system
A screenshot of a video of Masabi's Justride digital fare system being used by the Regional Transportation District (RTD) in Denver, CO. The Autorité régionale de transport métropolitain (ARTM) has announced it will use the same platform. (Source: The Montreal regional transit authority has awarded a $146-million contract to a U.K. company to modernize the ticketing system across the metropolis. The Autorité régionale de transport métropolitain (ARTM) announced that London-based Masabi has been asked to develop the digital ticketing transformation project. The company is behind the cloud-based Software-as-a-Service platform Justride, already used by more than 200 transit agencies around the world, including in Los Angeles, Calgary, New York, and Valencia, Spain. Masabi is partnering with WSP, a global engineering and professional services firm, to integrate the fare system in the Greater Montreal area after winning the bid. More than five other companies put forward bids for the project. It will require updating more than 12,000 pieces of equipment in five territories and involving partners like the Société de transport de Montréal (STM), the Réseau de transport de Longueuil (RTL), the Société de transport de Laval (STL) and the exo commuter train network. Masabi says 'riders will be able to tap to travel using contactless bank cards, mobile wallets, smartcards, and more' with Justride, which will replace the OPUS card system that has been in place for 20 years. The plastic OPUS cards, however, will be compatible with Justride and can still be used to validate fares. The ARTM says the project is within its $146-million budget, which includes contingency funds to mitigate any unforeseen hiccups, and is expected to launch sometime in 2026. The agency adds that the approach allows for the new ticketing system to evolve and add new features without needing a complete replacement of the system. Android testing comes first, iOS in 2026 The multimillion-dollar project is part of the ARTM's ongoing Concerto project, a major transformation of the ticketing system used by public transit agencies across the region. 'The cost of the Concerto project compares very favourably with similar initiatives worldwide,' the ARTM said in a news release on Wednesday. 'This is due in particular to the reuse of existing equipment, limiting infrastructure costs; a rigorous negotiation approach, which reduced costs by $95 million between the two calls for tenders; and the choice of a more flexible, scalable, and cost-effective cloud-based solution.' 'Concerto is much more than a tech project: it's a profound transformation of the public transit customer experience,' said ARTM executive director Benoit Gendron in the release. 'Let's be clear: the project is well-managed, with solid governance, rigorous monitoring, and testing before each deployment. We deeply believe in Concerto because it reflects our commitment to even more efficient and attractive public transit.' In May, the ARTM announced that it would be testing the ability to validate transit fares on users' smartphones during the summer. This involves a small sample of users, who are part of the 'alpha' version of the test phase, allowing passengers to load their transit tickets or fares directly onto their smartphones and then scan them over a reader using near-field communication (NFC) technology when passing through the turnstiles. Only users of Android smartphones will be able to participate in the testing in 2025. Testing of the function is being done in waves as the number increases over time, with a batch of 600 users now underway, followed by 1,000, then 2,000, and a large beta phase with 10,000 users by the fall. People with iPhones will have to wait a bit longer. Testing with iOS devices will only take place in 2026. Teams will collect feedback on the tests and make the necessary adjustments. As of April 2024, transit users have been able to load fares onto their OPUS cards, also via NFC, by using the Chrono mobile app for iOS and Android devices.
CTV News
a day ago
- Business
- CTV News
ARTM awards $146M contract to UK company to replace OPUS card
A screenshot of a video of Masabi's Justride digital fare system being used by the Regional Transportation District (RTD) in Denver, CO. The Autorité régionale de transport métropolitain (ARTM) has announced it will use the same platform. (Source: The Montreal regional transit authority has awarded a $146-million contract to a U.K. company to modernize the ticketing system across the metropolis. The Autorité régionale de transport métropolitain (ARTM) announced that London-based Masabi has been asked to develop the digital ticketing transformation project. The company is behind the cloud-based Software-as-a-Service platform Justride, already used by more than 200 transit agencies around the world, including in Los Angeles, Calgary, New York, and Valencia, Spain. Masabi is partnering with WSP, a global engineering and professional services firm, to integrate the fare system in the Greater Montreal area. It will require updating more than 12,000 pieces of equipment in five territories and involving partners like the Société de transport de Montréal (STM), the Réseau de transport de Longueuil (RTL), the Société de transport de Laval (STL) and the exo commuter train network. Masabi says 'riders will be able to tap to travel using contactless bank cards, mobile wallets, smartcards, and more' with Justride, which will replace the OPUS card system that has been in place for 20 years. The ARTM says the project is within its $146-million budget, which includes contingency funds to mitigate any unforeseen hiccups. The agency adds that the approach allows for the new ticketing system to evolve and add new features without needing a complete replacement of the system. The multimillion-dollar project is part of the ARTM's Concerto project, a major transformation of the ticketing system used by public transit agencies across the region. 'The cost of the Concerto project compares very favourably with similar initiatives worldwide,' the ARTM said in a news release on Wednesday. 'This is due in particular to the reuse of existing equipment, limiting infrastructure costs; a rigorous negotiation approach, which reduced costs by $95 million between the two calls for tenders; and the choice of a more flexible, scalable, and cost-effective cloud-based solution.' 'Concerto is much more than a tech project: it's a profound transformation of the public transit customer experience,' said ARTM executive director Benoit Gendron in the release. 'Let's be clear: the project is well-managed, with solid governance, rigorous monitoring, and testing before each deployment. We deeply believe in Concerto because it reflects our commitment to even more efficient and attractive public transit.' In May, the ARTM announced that it would be testing the ability to validate transit fares on users' smartphones during the summer. This involves a small sample of users, who are part of the 'alpha' version of the test phase, allowing passengers to load their transit tickets or fares directly onto their smartphones and then scan them over a reader using near-field communication (NFC) technology when passing through the turnstiles. Testing of the function is being done in waves as the number increases over time. Teams will collect feedback on the tests and make the necessary adjustments. If all goes well, the function will be rolled out to the rest of customers by the end of fall 2025. As of April 2024, transit users have been able to load fares onto their OPUS cards, also via NFC, by using the Chrono mobile app for iOS and Android devices.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Sun
Arsenal install new feature at the Emirates as first picture emerges but fans ask ‘will it win us the league?'
ARSENAL have installed electronic boards on the lower tier of the Emirates Stadium as the club continue to make improvements to the ground. The Gunners have been gradually making changes to the Emirates over the past few seasons in a bid to modernize the stadium, which was opened in 2006. 3 3 Photos circulating on social media show that the advertising boards that previously wrapped around the top of the lower tier have now been replaced by digital screens. The change follows minor improvements in recent seasons such as the addition of new big screens in the stadium's top corner, automated self-service beer queues and the new external artwork on the ground. While Arsenal fans will also be able to sip on a new pint next season after the club announced a partnership with Japanese beer company Asahi, replacing their previous deal with London-based Camden Brewery. Fans are excited by the new changes that could proceed future ambition to extend the emirates and increase its 60,000-seat capacity. Although some supporters are growing impatient with the Gunners focusing on improvements to the matchday experience and would rather see improvements to their results on the pitch. On social media, one fumed: "Will it win us the league?" While another added: "Will it prevent another trophy-less season? Nah". Champions League next season. 3 Mikel Arteta has added Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard to his squad already. While an announcement for the £52m arrival of Noni Madueke from Chelsea is expected soon. Man Utd vs Arsenal fan battle: 'Odegaard's streets ahead of bottle job Fernandes' | Stoppage Time Arteta's transfer team are also in the final stages of negotiating a move to sign Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting Lisbon in a deal worth an initial £55m. Valencia centre-back Cristhian Mosquera is also set to join the North London outfit for less than £20m as their summer spending spree continues. Arsenal are trying to get their business done early so they can get their new faces bedded in during their pre-season preparations ahead of a tricky start to the season. The Gunners' opening Premier League clash comes away at Manchester United as Liverpool, Man City and Newcastle also await Arteta's men in their first six games of the season.
Zawya
3 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Tech upgrades give South Africa logistics a digital edge
South Africa's transport and logistics sector is under growing pressure to meet the rising demands of e-commerce and online retail. With shopping behaviours permanently altered by the Covid-19 pandemic, local consumers increasingly expect faster, more reliable delivery, placing strain on outdated systems. According to the Zebra Technologies 2023 Warehousing Vision Study, 73% of decision-makers in the warehousing industry have already begun, or plan to accelerate, modernisation projects. Nearly 70% of them are also adopting workflow automation technologies to meet new demands. Among warehouse workers, 86% believe technologies like robotics and smart devices would boost productivity and improve retention, despite public concerns over job losses. This wave of innovation comes as government seeks to overhaul South Africa's freight logistics system. The 2023 Roadmap for the Freight Logistics System, presented by President Cyril Ramaphosa, outlines plans to reform logistics infrastructure and enable faster, more affordable movement of goods — a shift that could significantly benefit consumers and the broader economy. E-commerce fuels demand The rapid growth in online shopping — driven by platforms such as Takealot, Loot, Amazon (locally warehoused), Shein, AliExpress and Temu — has expanded the burden on delivery networks. Consumers now expect more from logistics providers, not only in terms of speed but also accuracy, cybersecurity, and reliability. This demand surge offers an opportunity for systemic change, not just patchwork upgrades. Industry players are increasingly being encouraged to adopt new communication and delivery systems capable of real-time tracking, efficient routing, and integrated inventory control. Tech-enabled logistics Smart technologies are playing an increasingly central role in enabling this shift. Tools such as mobile computers, RFID scanners, label printers, and AI-powered software are helping logistics companies manage everything from warehouse operations to last-mile delivery. Through analytics and automation, operators are able to process large volumes of orders with greater accuracy and reduced handling. Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity is also helping to link public infrastructure with private logistics systems, building more responsive and flexible transport networks. Enabling smarter operations Fatima Khota, business unit manager for the Point-of-Sale Division at Rectron South Africa, says smart transaction systems and real-time visibility tools are key to future-proofing the industry. Partnering with Zebra Technologies, Rectron works with local logistics providers to improve operational efficiency and asset tracking across the supply chain. 'By streamlining workflows across warehouses, terminals, and fleets, we help maximise productivity and improve customer outcomes,' she says. Enterprise asset intelligence systems — used in warehousing, yard, and fleet operations — support real-time decision-making by connecting inventory, personnel, and processes across the supply chain. These tools are helping logistics networks become more agile and resilient in response to rising consumer demand. Rectron has also adopted these technologies internally and is investing in skills development within its workforce and broader distribution network to support adoption across the sector. All rights reserved. © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Forbes
3 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
The Role Of Technology In Transforming The Infrastructure That Moves Us Forward
Ronald Bisio is Senior Vice President, Field Systems, at Trimble. America's infrastructure—the silent backbone of our daily lives—is undergoing a much-needed transformation. From the roads we drive on to the pipes that deliver our water, these interconnected systems are fundamental to our economy, global competitiveness and quality of life. We take them for granted when they're functioning seamlessly, but any inefficiency or failure is quickly felt by households and businesses. After decades of underinvestment, this is not the time to let up on the gas. We need to sustain the momentum created by recent federal investments from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). With technological advances bridging gaps and fueling progress, we should continue to modernize our vital infrastructure. The Foundation Under Our Feet Infrastructure encompasses much more than most realize. Beyond highways, streets, mass transit, ports, airports and inland waterways, it includes dams, levees, utility networks and public schools. These public and private networks provide the power, water, waste removal, recreation and education essential for daily life. The latest Report Card for America's Infrastructure from the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) is a 'C' overall (up slightly from a 'C-'), indicating recent federal investments from IIJA have led to improvements in several infrastructure sectors. But much work is still needed to meet future demands. As our existing systems continue to age, demands steadily increase, leading to a substantial investment gap. For instance, 39% of major U.S. roads are in poor or mediocre condition, costing the average driver over $1,400 annually in vehicle operating costs and lost time, according to the infrastructure report card. Bridges also face an uphill battle, with 49.1% in "fair" condition, requiring attention to prevent costlier deterioration. Bridge rehabilitation needs in the U.S. still stand at $191 billion. Prior to the IIJA, federal infrastructure spending was about 1.5% of GDP, relatively small compared to the United Kingdom (2%), France (2.4%) and Australia (3.5%), according to a 2021 Brookings Metropolitan Policy Program report. At 1.4%, Germany spends slightly less than the U.S. The IIJA, while significant, expires in 2026, leading to uncertainty about sustained funding. Addressing The Infrastructure Construction Workforce Shortage A growing workforce shortage in infrastructure construction also holds us back. Many experienced professionals are retiring or moving to the private sector, leaving state Departments of Transportation (DOTs) struggling and forced to do more with less. The Federal Highway Administration's Every Day Counts (EDC) program helps address this by driving technology adoption in state and local transportation. EDC promotes innovations like e-construction and 3D models to reduce errors and rework, yielding efficiency gains and cost savings. Since EDC's inception in 2009, each state has used 26 or more of its 57 promoted innovations, with many now as mainstream practices. Paving The Way With Connected Workflows Infrastructure agencies and partners are increasingly embracing digital technologies and prioritizing data sharing and connected workflows across design, construction, asset management and maintenance departments. The Colorado Department of Transportation used innovative project delivery methods to replace its Region 2 Bridge Bundle project about five months ahead of schedule and $2 million under budget. Here are other examples: • All-digital workflows use mobile mapping and lidar (light detection and ranging) for rapid and highly accurate data collection, significantly reducing the need for human presence in dangerous areas and enhancing safety. Some state DOTs stipulate that surveyors use mobile lidar in specific contexts for enhanced data collection, project accuracy and safety. • Artificial intelligence (AI) processes vast amounts of lidar, location and image data for asset inventories and condition assessments. This means quicker, more precise identification of infrastructure needs, allowing for proactive maintenance rather than costly reactive repairs. • Integrated workflows in machine control systems load 3D design models directly onto construction equipment, enabling high-accuracy operations guided by digital designs. • Interoperability is also a crucial data advancement, fostering seamless data exchange between different software and systems used by various stakeholders. In fact, the most advanced states go a step further. By standardizing on a vendor and embracing integrated workflows, they are seeing increased cost savings and efficiencies. For instance, a Minnesota DOT project reduced a 600-hour process to 73 hours, an 87% efficiency increase. Funding programs like the SMART Grants Program and the Advanced Digital Construction Management Systems (ADCMS) Grant Program actively support technological adoption. These grants incentivize DOTs to modernize workflows and embrace digital construction technologies, leading to significant cost savings. Recent permitting reforms are another indicator that the government is digitizing and leveraging technology to streamline and accelerate processes and reduce red tape. This digital transformation extends beyond roads and bridges. Wastewater utilities use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and advanced metering; the energy sector invests in smart grids and AI for capital allocation, peak identification, load forecasting and automated rerouting; and public parks utilize GIS and digital twin maps for asset management. Business Leaders: Your Role In Shaping The Future Of Infrastructure This technological revolution in infrastructure extends beyond government agencies. Leaders across construction, technology, government and related industries are crucial to achieving a world-class infrastructure system. Here's how you can contribute: • Embrace new methods: Businesses across sectors can benefit from digital delivery, 3D scanning, AI and data analytics, optimizing internal operations and creating demand for advanced solutions. • Advocate for sustained investment: Emphasize the long-term economic benefits of resilient, technologically advanced infrastructure, highlighting its direct impact on commerce and reduction of costly disruptions. • Engage on policy: Stay informed and engaged in policymaking at all levels of government to ensure we are getting the most from our tax dollars. Communicate industry needs to representatives, supporting policies that incentivize innovation, promote interoperability and address workforce development in civil engineering and related fields. By embracing technological innovation and advocating for smart, sustained investments, business and technology leaders can help ensure that America's infrastructure is not just maintained but transformed to support the demands and aspirations of the 21st century and beyond. Forbes Technology Council is an invitation-only community for world-class CIOs, CTOs and technology executives. Do I qualify?
