Thales to supuply contactless system for New Delhi Metro’s Line 3
23 September, 2004
category: Contactless, Corporate, Financial, Transit
After successful installations at two of New Delhi’s Metro lines, French-based Thales has contracted to install its third recyclable contactless ticket system for the city’s transit system. Lines 1 and 2 now handle approximately 130,000 passengers using nearly 300 access control gates and more than 130 vending machines.
The Thales contactless system is already successfully in use for line 1 and 2
Paris (September 23, 2004)–Thales has signed a new contract with the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Limited (DMRC) for the supply of a recyclable contactless smart token ticketing system for line 3 of the capital city’s metro system. The Indian transport operator, DMRC chose Thales in 2001 to provide an identical system for the lines 1 and 2 of the New Delhi metro.
The contract is part of the phased installation of three metro lines covering more than 55 kilometers in New Delhi. The new system is scheduled to be commissioned in 2005. The New Delhi transport plan provides for a total of 198 kilometers of metro lines between now and 2021.
An expert in contactless technology for public transport systems, Thales has designed a secure system for the new line that includes cutting-edge contactless equipment, with 245 retractable-flap access-control gates, 160 transit card/token vending machines, 93 ticketing information monitoring systems, and the connection to the central line system and 24 station systems. The system for lines 1 and 2 of the New Delhi metro has been in operation since December 2002. It now handles a daily flow of approximately 130,000 passengers using nearly 300 access control gates equipped with central retractable flaps, more than 130 vending machines selling and recharging contactless smart cards and tokens, and the associated computer systems for the 28 stations and central line system.
Like the system for lines 1 and 2, the line 3 system will handle both regular travelers holding contactless smart cards, and occasional travelers who will be able to acquire contactless tokens that are easily recycled using a device built into the access gates. This patented token-sensing device developed by Thales offers a durable, cost-effective contactless solution that allows transit operators to avoid using magnetic technology for occasional travelers. The system also can be used for other applications such as electronic purses. Moreover, it helps transit operators to optimize operating costs while reducing maintenance costs.
The installed system brings added benefits to passengers, too, who will not need to queue to purchase tickets or proceed through the access gates, since the contactless card/token will eliminate the jams often experienced when tickets are inserted into traditional magnetic machines. Travelers will not need to remove their cards from their purses or wallets when proceeding through access-control gates, speeding passenger throughput.
On the occasion of the contract signature, Satish Kumar, Director (RSE) of Delhi Metro, explained: “This is the first major tender being finalized on a single-tender basis. Delhi Metro will now have one common system, supplied by Thales, so that we may offer flawless service to Delhi commuters. Thales should consider Delhi Metro as a partner with this technology, and both teams, Delhi Metro and Thales, should be able to work together on future extensions as well.”
“Asia is leading the way in the use of contactless technology,” said Jean-Louis Olié, managing director of the Transport & Services activity of Thales. “The new contract strengthens our position in this market. We are proud of the confidence our client has shown in us and hope that Thales will remain a close partner with DMRC on future projects.”
This new contract further illustrates Thales’ expertise in contactless technology, building on the heritage of numerous successes in electronic ticketing in cities worldwide, including Oslo, Bangkok, Taiwan, Nanjing, Singapore, New Delhi, and Hong Kong, as well as cities across France. In addition, the Group recently won the contract to supply a contactless system to the Netherlands.
About the Thales Group
Thales is a world leader in professional electronics in three key markets: aerospace, defense and security. The Group employs 62,000 people worldwide and generated revenues of 10.6 billion euros in 2003. As a major provider in the Security market, Thales e-Transactions CGA S.A. (www.thales-transportservices.com) offers a full range of systems and value-added services in ticketing, vehicle scheduling control and passenger information systems, parking, road and highway toll collection and secure electronic payments. Thales offers its customers both a local contact network and an international call center.
