Unicard, which supplies smart ticketing and payment solutions for the transport industry, has acquired Ecebs, a specialist in smart ticketing, from Visa. The move elevates Unicard’s standing in the realm of smart mobility, diversifying its solutions portfolio.
With the acquisition, Unicard fortifies an already diverse arsenal of solutions, now boasting contactless EMV. The solution, allowing travellers to conveniently ‘tap and go’ with payment cards, positions Unicard in the vanguard of a sector adapting to the multi-modal, multi-token transport paradigm.
The incorporation of Ecebs will reinforce Unicard’s dominance in the UK’s smartcard ticketing arena, already adopted by over 70 regional authorities, including heavyweights like Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) and Transport Scotland. The move also sees key collaborations with Transport for Wales and notably, Transport for London.
In line with its expansion strategy, Nottingham City Council’s Future Transport Zone ambitions have also caught Unicard’s attention, with plans to deploy its considerable expertise garnered from collaborations on schemes like TfWM’s Swift travel and Solent Transport’s Breeze App.
Sean Dickinson, CEO of Unicard (pictured), says: “Our acquisition of Ecebs amplifies our capacity in the smart travel arena, bolstering our commitment to pioneering, inclusive ticketing solutions. We approach this merger with three pillars: Selecting the right partner, ensuring continuity of business for ours, and their customers, while maintaining our reputation as a partner renowned for its market innovation, close working relationships and importantly, customer care.
“Unicard has a strong heritage in the industry, but it’s important for us to retain Ecebs’ expert knowledge and market insight to continue providing high quality products and services to all our customers and their passengers.”
Russell Mccullagh, Ecebs’ General Manager, adds: “Unicard is a well-respected business with shared interests and a similar culture. We’re confident that both companies’ customers can expect to see continuous innovation and the ongoing delivery of high-quality services, offering real flexibility and a superior experience for the travelling public.”
Adding another feather to its cap, Unicard has inked a commercial agreement with Visa to employ Cybersource, its international payments platform, potentially paving the way for global expansion.
However, UK expansion remains the immediate focus. Unicard’s clientele can anticipate the fusion of its ticketing, identity, payments, and data management proficiencies. Embracing the future, Unicard’s cloud-first approach will see a transition of Ecebs’ infrastructure to the cloud, ensuring optimal scalability and cost-effectiveness.
