Tait Communications and TfL sign bus communications upgrade deal

Tait Communications and Transport for London (TfL) have signed a contract determining a new digital mobile radio system will replace London’s current bus radio system.

The agreement means Tait Communications will be responsible for the manufacture and replacement of both the communications infrastructure, that provides coverage across Greater London, and the terminal equipment on London’s fleet of almost 10,000 buses.

This critical communications upgrade is one aspect of TfL’s investment to extend and improve the capital’s transport network.

Simon Reed, Transport for London’s Head of Technology and Data: Surface Transport, said: “We have been careful to choose a solution that provides a low risk transition from the existing analogue technology and that integrates well with the future vision of TfL with open standards based DMR technology and ease of integration with an accredited ITxPT (IT for Public Transport) supplier.”

TfL Transport Commissioner, Mike Brown (left) and Garry Diack, CEO of Tait Communications (right)

The on-bus equipment is based on Tait’s UnifyVehicle platform, which supplies users with access to multiple carrier standards in addition to mobile radio and the ability to run customised data applications. This will improve operational efficiency and the service provided. 

Andrew Gill, Managing Director of Tait Europe Middle East and Africa, said the extremely challenging procurement process run by TfL has resulted in real value for the customer and the travelling public.

“This model of procurement, one that allows for discussion and co-operative working between the customer and supplier, can foster wider competition and true long-term value for money. This has been one of the toughest and most robust processes I’ve worked on,” Gill continued. “At its core was TfL’s wish to foster a spirit of collaborative working with key suppliers and it’s this spirit which has allowed a mid-sized company to compete successfully against larger competition.

“For Tait, this contract is reflective of our expanding UK-based business, with a growing team of experienced engineers, project managers and new apprentices to ensure we keep growing and developing talent in the UK.”

TfL’s bus network consists of over 650 contracted bus routes served by over 9,500 vehicles with a network of over 19,000 bus stops.