Calgary Transit cancels electronic fare collection contract

Calgary Transit has made the decision not to move ahead with its CONNECT electronic fare collection (EFC) system.

In 2010, Calgary Transit contracted Telvent (Schneider Electric) to deliver an EFC system to Calgarians through a competitive bidding process.

In late 2012, technical problems arose that prevented the project from being completed and the contract was cancelled with Schneider Electric. In November 2013, based on information from Schneider that the system was almost complete and could be implemented quickly, Calgary Transit brought Schneider back for another try.

Recent testing identified reliability issues with the EFC system and the supplier, Schneider, has now stated they will not be able to meet the agreed reliability targets for the system.

As the system deals with customer funds and Calgary Transit revenues, intermittent failures of the system would be unacceptable, according to the agency. Based on the testing, the EFC system could negatively impact the customers’ experience in paying their fares.

Calgary Transit said it will continue to research and monitor advances in fare payment technology to determine the best options for moving forward. To date, $5 million has been paid to Schneider Electric. Calgary Transit will attempt to recover the money through “all legal means necessary.”