Atos Origin acquires rail ticketing software

The services company hopes Tribute deal will cement its leading position as provider of travel IT

International services company Atos Origin has announced the acquisition of the Tribute Desktop Ticket Issuing Software (TIS).

This software allows rail passengers to find the best fare and access tickets conveniently, and is also essential for train operating companies to manage ticket and fare information.

Tribute was created following the privatisation of British Rail in 1996 to manage the systems supporting more than 750 terminals across the UK.

Tony Lacy, gGeneral manager for tTransport at Atos, said: "While [the software] operates behind the scenes, passengers rely on it to access the best fare and receive their ticket in the easiest way possible - either from self-service kiosks, ticket offices, on-train or e-ticketing."

Atos said it plans to further develop the TIS software, but gave no details.

"Today's deal follows the acquisition last year of Sphere - a market leader of integrated self-service, web and desktop systems for UK rail and hospitality markets - and marks the next major step in our strategy to be the leading retail provider for UK rail," added Lacy.

"We are absolutely committed to innovation and will continue to work closely with the rail industry to deliver improved retailing solutions that reduce the cost of sale."