Affiliated Computer Services (ACS), has announced that it will supply an intelligent ticketing system for the first tram system in the Persian Gulf region, marking the company's first major contract in the Gulf. This follows ACS’ new Dubai offices opening in May this year.

The Persian Gulf's first tram line will have 13 stations and will be equipped with a 100 percent contactless ticketing solution, fully compatible with all public transport in the Emirate, including buses, metros, trams and waterbuses.

ACS’ public transport division, ACS Transportation Solutions Group, was selected to provide the ticketing solution by Alstom, which is building the tram system for the Dubai Roads & Transport Authority (RTA).

Under the terms of its contract with Alstom, ACS will supply all the ticketing equipment including validation terminals, control terminals and vending machines capable of issuing and recharging contactless cards and selling single-use contactless tickets. ACS will also develop a central management system that interacts with the RTA system, which assists with disseminating fare-setting rules, monitors customer data, manages restrictive lists and security keys, and distributes revenues.

Remy Redeuilh of Alstom, commented, "We selected ACS to provide a state-of-the-art ticketing system compatible to Dubai UAFC requirements. With high passenger flows expected on the Al Sufouh Light Rail Transit system, this new ticketing technology will play a critical role helping address congestion and traffic flow.”