Smart421 speeds off with third AWS rail deal

KCOM-owned IT consultancy helping rail industry build next-generation smart ticketing system

Smart421 claims its partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS) is blossoming after the duo notched up their third contract win in the rail sector.

The IT consultancy, part of London-listed IT services firm KCOM Group, has landed a contract for a transaction management system (TMS) for South East Flexible Ticketing (SEFT). It will be hosted in a cloud-based environment in AWS to fulfil the project's scalability and availability requirements.

Joseph Spear, head of marketing at Smart421, said: "This is the third such contract we have won together with AWS in the rail sector. It's no accident. What you are seeing is the outcome of an excellent channel relationship between AWS and Smart421."

The latest project is part of the rail industry's efforts to build a next-generation smart ticketing system.

The SEFT programme will deliver ITSO smart ticketing to the rail network in South East England, surrounding London. ITSO is the nationally agreed UK open specification for transport tickets on smart media, to include plastic smart cards and mobile devices that support near field communications.

Neil Miles, managing director at Smart421, said: "The SEFT contract reinforces Smart421's leading position and role in digital transformation in the rail sector; Smart421 delivered the live sales management system for Rail Settlement Plan as well as a separate service integration and management project for National Rail Enquiries.

"We are delighted to be involved in SEFT which will contribute directly to improvements that both the government and rail passengers want to see."