TCS bags 10-yr outsourcing contract from UK

Bengaluru: IT services major Tata Consultancy Services(TCS) has won a 10-year long outsourcing contract from UK-based Transport for London to design, implement and operate a cloud-based smart mobility system for administration of London's 115,000 taxis and private hire vehicles. Transport for London (TfL) is a local government body, which is responsible for most of the transport network in the city, including the London Underground, Docklands Light Railways, buses, taxis, trams and river services.

In a release, the Tata Group company said that over the course of the 10-year contract with an option for a five-year extension, the company will digitally transform taxi and private hire licensing and administration, as well as implement continuous improvements and innovation. The deal size was not revealed by the company in the statement. "TfL is the foremost transportation authority in the world with its innovative approach to managing urban transportation with the use of technology and data. The new TCS-designed technology system will meet TfL's key objectives, enhance customer experience and enable future requirements including connected, shared, electric, autonomous vehicle registrations. We are delighted to be appointed by TfL to deliver this transformation," said Amit Kapur, Country Head of TCS UK and Ireland.

TCS said that the new system will be flexible and extensible to comply with evolving policy requirements and legislation. It also said that the IT firm will conduct in-depth training as part of the onboarding process. Commenting on the deal, Graham Robinson, General Manager of Taxi and Private Hire at TfL said, "An efficient and effective licensing system is paramount for any regulator overseeing taxi and private hire operations in a world city. We are pleased to have signed this contract with TCS, as it ensures our business keeps pace with technological developments and gives the best possible service to licensees."