problem free launch in stockholm

Another positive news from Stockholm!

http://www.erggroup.com/news/details.asp?newsid=62

Rather than receiving their usual magnetic season passes for the last quarter of 2008, Stockholm commuters received a bright yellow SL Access smart card in the post.

On 1 September, these cards became valid for use on the SL bus and rail network. On day one, there were 23,000 transactions on the rail network and 8,000 on the bus network from about 12,000 cards with no significant faults reported.

"Stockholm passengers have been using ERGs system with magnetic cards, generating up to 800,000 transactions a day, for the last two years," said Ian Gollagher, Engineering Manager for the Stockholm project. "Its very satisfying to see smart cards now being used in Stockholm by the general public."

Several reports in the local media announced the launch of the SL Access card in Stockholm, all noting the smooth transition. Stockholm City, a local news website, reported on 1 September:

On Monday morning, SL had not yet received any complaints about the new system. "It seems to be going well. The cards had been tested earlier, so we know they work,"said Maria Adolfsson from SL’s Press Service.

"The SL Access card launch was a critical milestone," said Kim Fitzpatrick, General Manager - Perth Competence Centre. "The fact that it has caused barely a ripple is a fantastic achievement."

SL and ERG plan to launch the next phase later this year. This will achieve an end-to-end solution for all passengers – card sales, loading value and validating cards for travel. ERG equipment is currently being installed in locations throughout Stockholm in preparation.

Following this next phase, further functionality will gradually be added to the system until full operation is achieved.

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