Banking services

Tender description

TfN is working in partnership with transport Operators, Local Transport Authorities and the Department of Transport on its Integrated and Smart Travel Programme to deliver a multi-operator, multi-modal account-based ticketing solution. Central to the programme’s proposition is the Account-Based Back Office for Travel (ABBOT), a shared ‘back office’ to be used by third-party operators which will collect information on all trips (across multiple operators and transport modes initially in the North of England with the realistic potential to grow to a United Kingdom wide scope excluding London). The scope of this procurement is to appoint a Merchant Acquirer for ABBOT for the acceptance of contactless bank cards or similar form of payment for integrated ticketing. Particular focus in this procurement will be on the management and minimisation of declined transactions to minimise this element of the cost of sale of this retail channel as well as commercially attractive low transaction fees. It is envisaged that the procurement will run using an open procedure. Market engagement will be carried out to receive feedback on this procurement approach, enhance suppliers understanding of the programme and to ensure the market is aware of the scale of this opportunity and what we’re seeking from our Merchant Acquirer Services partner. Feedback will be used to finalise the procurement approach.The Merchant Acquirer(s) will provide merchant acquirer services and/or associated advisory services to TfN and the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) formed by Operators to run the scheme. It will be an integral advisor alongside TfN in procuring the Account Based Back Office Ticketing contract and provide consultation to Operators on their processes and equipment to be compatible with the Merchant Acquirer system and processes. TfN has appointed NCC Limited as Qualified Security Assessor, and the Merchant Acquirer Services partner will be expected to work closely also with them.