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Cubic's Technology Supports Chicago
Transit Authority's
New Chicago Card Plus
SAN DIEGO, CALIF and CHICAGO, IL, Jan.
29, 2004 - Central computer system enhancements and engineering
services from Cubic Transportation Systems, Inc., a subsidiary
of San Diego-based Cubic Corporation (AMEX:CUB), were instrumental
in last week's launch of the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA)'s
newest touch-and-go electronic farecard, Chicago Card Plus.
The new farecard offers customers the convenience of automatic
reloading and online account management.
Chicago Card Plus can be used on CTA trains and buses as well as on Pace buses,
a neighboring suburban bus operator. Cubic made modifications to the smart
card data format and device software in all fare collection machines in CTA
rail stations and on CTA and Pace buses so that the new card would be recognized
by the fare collection system and function according to agency business rules.
Customers can sign up for the new card online, by phone, through the mail or
in person at CTA's headquarters in the Merchandise Mart. Every Chicago Card
Plus customer will have their account automatically reloaded by charges to
their credit/debit cards or by using pre-tax dollars as part of the Transit
Benefit program. Similar to the way Illinois' "I-Pass" works for
toll road users, the account will be reloading when it hits $10 or when a 30-Day
Pass is nearing the end of the 30 days.
"We are pleased that we can help the CTA expand its customer service offering
through this account-based technology. Since launching the Chicago Card,
a stored-value electronic farecard, in 2002, the CTA has continued to leverage
smart card technology to make taking public transit even more convenient for
customers," said Richard Johnson, president and chief executive officer
of Cubic Transportation Systems, Inc.
New technology enhancements Cubic made to CTA's central computing system and
infrastructure make it possible for the CTA to track and manage both the new
and existing smart cards and other important data including "hot list" information
about invalid, lost or stolen cards, protecting both customers and the CTA
against misuse and fraud. The central computer also collects important ridership
and revenue data vital to managing transit operations.
Cubic designed and implemented the technology for CTA's magnetic strip transit
card in 1997, and three years ago expanded the system to accommodate the touch-and-go
smart card technology, giving rail and customers a faster way to pay their
fares.
Cubic Transportation Systems, Inc. is the world's leading turnkey solution
provider of electronic ticketing systems for public transport including bus,
bus rapid transit, light rail, commuter rail, heavy rail, ferry and parking.
Cubic's solutions and services include system design, central computer systems,
equipment design and manufacturing, device-level software, integration, test,
installation, warranty, maintenance, computer hosting services, call centre
services, card management and distribution services, financial clearing and
settlement, multi-application support and outsourcing services.
Every year, nearly 10 billion rides are taken worldwide using Cubic fare collection
systems, which have been delivered for over 400 projects in 40 major markets
on 5 continents. Active projects include London, New York / New Jersey region,
Washington, D.C. / Baltimore / Virginia region, Los Angeles region, San Diego
region, San Francisco, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Chicago, Houston, Atlanta, South
Florida, Vancouver and Edmonton, Canada, Brisbane, Australia, Singapore, Bangkok,
Thailand and Scandinavia.
The corporation's other major segment, Cubic Defense Applications, provides
realistic combat training systems for military forces as well as simulation,
force modernization, educational services, operations & maintenance and
manufacturing services. The group also supplies products and systems for C4ISR
(Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance)
applications, search and rescue avionics and radio communications for military
and civil markets. For more information about Cubic, see the company's web
site at www.cubic.com.
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