Calgary Transit looks to renew electronic fare card efforts

Calgary Transit says it mayhire Telvent again to complete its electronic fare card system.

The city had paid the company $3.5milliononly to terminate its contract last year.

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The city saysTelventcontinued to work on the Connect Card system for several months at its own risk and expense following the cancellation of the contract.

"We had a look at this work and feel it has the potential to provide a solution thats right for Calgary, said Calgary Transit directorDoug Morgan in a release.

Were committed to implementing an electronic fare collection (EFC) system for our customers and want to ensure we consider all options. TheTelventoption would cost taxpayers millions less and be implemented about two years earlier.

Telvent had successfully designed electronic transit fare cards for cities in Mexico, Spain and China.

But it couldn't seem to get thesystem working in Calgary.

Calgary Transit says it has researched other EFC systems across North America and it would save $11 millionby not going with a brand-new supplier.

The city has agreed to work withTelventto determine if terms can be met for a new contract beforeDec.15.