Cubic to Sponsor Tube Anniversary

Cubic Transportation Systems is proud to announce that it is to be the lead industry sponsor for next year’s 150th anniversary of the London Underground, the world’s oldest underground railway.

Ticketing and fare collection for the four million passenger journeys made on the Tube daily are handled by Cubic as part of its role as prime contractor for the provision of revenue services, ticketing, information for transport ticketing and fare collection within the Transport for London (TfL) system, which includes the London Underground, London Overground, buses and river bus services.

Cubic has worked with TfL and its predecessor London Transport since the 1970s on developments in ticketing, not least of which has been the continued successful rollout of the Oyster card since its introduction in 2003. Today Oyster accounts for more than 80 percent of journeys taken on the TfL network and with more than 50 million cards issued, it is the world’s most prolific and successful smart card ticketing system. Ongoing developments and new technologies are focused on delivering increased value, choice and service improvements for London public transport users, making transport in the capital even more convenient.

A wide range of events and activities is planned to mark the London Underground’s 150th anniversary event, including a special exhibition, commemorative stamps and coins, plus a series of steam train runs.

Sam Mullins, director of the London Transport Museum, is playing a key role in driving the celebrations. “We have a close and long-term association with Cubic through its sponsorship of the Museum theatre and are delighted that the company has opted to broaden that association through sponsorship of this high-profile anniversary,” he said.

Roger Crow, European managing director at Cubic Transportation Systems, commented, “We’re delighted to show our ongoing support for London Underground during what will be an extremely special year. We work extremely closely with LU on the daily business of ticketing and revenue services and also on the modernization of the network. 2013 will provide the opportunity to look back at the evolution of the world’s busiest and most complex urban transportation system – and to marvel at the feat of moving millions of passengers around on a daily basis. And for Cubic, it’s also an occasion to look forward to the new initiatives we’re implementing with TfL to make taking the Tube as easy and convenient as possible.”

Steve Shewmaker, president of Cubic Transportation Systems, added, “The entire Cubic Corporation is fully behind the 150th anniversary celebrations. This support underscores Cubic’s complete commitment to London and to helping make public transportation in one of the world’s greatest cities as simple and convenient to use as possible.”

The 150th anniversary of London Underground will not only look at the Tube’s past, but also its important role in the London economy and why continued investment to its aging network is so crucial for the Tube’s customers.