Transit Issuer Agreement

Tender description

The efficient and effective delivery of Ticketing with respect to concessionary and commercial travel schemes across the Bee Network is of critical importance to TfGM, with enablement of the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme for the Elderly and Disabled, a regulatory requirement. Currently, customer participation in TfGM's concessionary or commercial travel schemes requires the application, processing and fulfilment and distribution of physical ITSO smart-cards directly to each customer. These may then be used by each customer to secure the benefits of the relevant travel scheme and their entitlement. TfGM anticipates that in future, customer preferences will require an option to include the use of digital media (including for example mobile devices: phones, watches and other wearables) in accessing concessionary and commercial travel scheme entitlement and benefits. Additionally, following the introduction of the Bee Network App in 2023, it has become evident that better integration between the Bee Network App and mobile device operating systems will be required to meet customer expectations and enhance their experience. Integration to mobile devices and implementation and delivery of a Digital Pass capability (enabled by ITSO) to enable customers to apply for commercial and concessionary passes and products, buy products, fulfil them directly to their mobile device and check journey history is therefore a key objective for TfGM and will require the establishment of contractual agreements between TfGM and those parties whose proprietary digital media wallets and platforms are required. This notice provides transparency around the reasons for this single source procurement of the Transit Issuer Agreement (with respect to the Apple mobile application and wallet), alongside the single source procurement of a Transit Platform Services Agreement (with respect to the ITSO on Mobile Platform and integration to Apple applications and wallet). The decision to enter into a new contract with Apple Distribution International Ltd with respect to the Transit Issuer Agreement is necessary for the following reasons: • only Apple Distribution International Ltd can facilitate integration with the Apple technology required to enable TfGM customers to access concessionary and commercial products using the Apple Wallet application. ## Contract award Title: Manchester - Transit Card Issuer Agreement