EWS and Thales join forces to create Transeo, a new force in the provision of IS services to the rail sector

Transport information systems and service solutions for the International transport sector are set to grow as the result of a significant increase in the International movement of goods and the number of people travelling across European railway networks. This is being driven by the improved reliability of rail services, growth in global trade and a new era of European interoperability.

This projection comes from Transeo, a new, unique alliance, launched on 30 March 2007 to deliver innovative information, consultancy and technology services and solutions to the UK and International transport sectors. This growth will be supported by Transeo’s systems and service solutions to ensure greater efficiency and competitiveness.

Transeo’s formation and drive for growth follows detailed research to ensure products and services match the requirements of prospective UK and International customers, including passenger and freight rail operators, infrastructure providers, and companies involved in transportation and logistics.

The move also follows industry demand for sustainable business support services that are service-led, add value and at the same time enhance the existing services of our clients. Transeo clients are at the heart of our business.

As a 24-hour, 7-day a week, service provider, Transeo is focused on customer service and flexibility through innovation and efficiency including the development of shared services between non-competing organisations. This brings a level of efficiency and support never seen before in the transportation sector.

Transeo’s extensive support service is used by passengers of British franchised train operating companies every day of the year. Transeo operates the 24-hour National Rail Communications Centre for the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC), as well as running the National Rail Enquiries Online Journey Planner, www.nationalrail.co.uk which sees demand approaching one million enquiries per day. In addition, Transeo has developed a European-wide package of IT application and infrastructure support services and, in response to demand from customers such as National Rail Enquiries in Britain and Euro Cargo Rail in France, is already supporting their service needs.

The creation of Transeo, brings together under one brand, two of the leading International technology and transport companies.

EWS, the leading rail freight and rail services provider, and Thales, a leading International electronics and systems group serving the aerospace, transport, defence and security markets, are together forming the strongest alliance ever seen in the International transport sector.

Guy Mason, Executive Director of Transeo and EWS, Chief Information Officer said : “With Transeo, we feel we can meet the needs of train operating companies, rail infrastructure providers and International transport and distribution companies, responding with tailor-made solutions to suit customer demand in an increasingly competitive market. In this new era of European interoperability and increasing global trade, information systems and service support will be central to the operation of International transport. Transeo can meet this need.”

Fabrice Bourdeix, Vice President Enterprise Services within Thales Security Solutions & Services Division said: “The systems requirements of the transportation sector are becoming increasingly sophisticated and sector-specific. The need to drive profit in the sector also means that these demands need to be met ever more efficiently and promptly. Transeo’s unique combination of Thales’ extensive systems skills and EWS’ transportation knowledge equip it to drive service levels up and costs down in a way not previously seen in this industry.”