Mastercard Announces Partnership with Transport for New South Wales to Deliver a Smarter City Through Future Transport Digital Accelerator

Mastercard has today announced a partnership with Transport for New South Wales to launch its Future Transport Digital Accelerator. The partnership, which also includes CBA, Amazon Web Services, Optus and City Innovate Foundation, will explore solutions to address transport challenges, such as streamlining the end-to-end consumer experience by integrating different mobility models and reducing friction for both residents and visitors.

Commenting on the importance of this collaboration, Richard Wormald, Mastercard Division President for Australasia, noted this announcement marks a joint commitment from Transport for New South Wales and Mastercard to making Australian cities more connected by harnessing innovative technologies and new partnership models.

“Mastercard has a strong track record of improving people’s everyday experience. We are already working with more than 100 cities – including London, Singapore and Vancouver – to enable a seamless commute. We are truly excited to partner with Transport for New South Wales to leverage our insights, technology and expertise to co-create solutions that improve lives for residents and visitors,” Wormald said.

The partnership follows a successful pilot of Mastercard contactless payments on the F1 Manly Ferry, and subsequent rollout of contactless transit payments across all Sydney Ferries and light rail services. During the trial Mastercard worked with Transport for New South Wales to ensure smooth implementation of the technology; facilitating more than 15,000 tap-and-go fare payments for card holders from more than 40 countries.

The contactless transit payment service delivered by Mastercard and Transport for New South Wales acts as the first of many innovations to make Sydney, and other cities, even more livable places.

“For Mastercard, the concept of “smart cities” is not an end in itself, but a means towards improving the quality of life for all segments of society. Through our global standards, digital technologies, data insights and expertise, we will work with Transport for New South Wales to drive inclusive and sustainable urban growth,” Wormald said.

With so many people living, working and traveling to cities, many urban hubs around the globe are facing significant friction. To address these challenges in a more holistic manner, Mastercard recently introduced City Possible, a first-of-its kind initiative bringing together cities with a united private sector. Corporate partners and cities around the world work together to co-develop, scale and commercialize urban solutions – ensuring that cities can benefit from each other’s learnings.

-ENDS-

For more information contact:

Emma Graham / Eleven
emma.graham@elevenpr.com.au
02 9025 9210 / 0401 363 662

Olwyn Flanagan / Eleven
olwyn.flanagan@elevenpr.com.au
02 9025 9245 / 0432 836 067

About Mastercard
Mastercard (NYSE: MA), www.mastercard.com, is a technology company in the global payments industry. Our global payments processing network connects consumers, financial institutions, merchants, governments and businesses in more than 210 countries and territories.  Mastercard products and solutions make everyday commerce activities – such as shopping, traveling, running a business and managing finances – easier, more secure and more efficient for everyone.  Follow us on Twitter @MastercardAP, join the discussion on the Beyond the Transaction Blog and subscribe for the latest news on the Engagement Bureau.