ACS catches N.J. Transit tech refresh deal

Affiliated Computer Services won a five-year, $76 million contract from the New Jersey Transit agency to refresh the technology that runs its fare collection system.

Affiliated Computer Services won a five-year, $76 million contract from the New Jersey Transit agency to refresh the technology that runs its fare collection system.

The contract includes seven one-year options, which could raise the total contract value to $188 million.

Under the contract, ACS of Dallas will purchase and deliver new equipment for the organization's fare collection system and provide maintenance and support.

The upgrade involves improving the electronics and customer interface for 543 ticket vending machines. ACS will deliver 157 new machines during 2007 and 2008.

The upgraded machines will feature 15-inch touch-screens designed to make it easier for passengers to purchase tickets. The machines are compatible with smart-card technologies.

The New Jersey Transit agency is the nation's third largest public transportation system, serving 800,000 passengers a day in a three-state area.

ACS offers business process and IT outsourcing services to the government and commercial sectors.

The company, which has 55,000 employees and had annual sales of $4.3 billion in fiscal 2005, ranks No. 51 on Washington Technology's 2005 Top 100 list of federal prime contractors. The 2006 Top 100 list will be released May 15.