HCLTech to improve Victoria's public transport with digital solutions

HCLTech has secured a contract with the Department of Transport and Planning in Victoria, Australia, to streamline the concession entitlement process for public transport users.  

This initiative encompasses a diverse group, including 35% of students, retirees, veterans, and specially-abled individuals, within a transport network that facilitates over 605 million trips annually, the company said. 

The tech firm has outlined its plan to develop and support a Concessions Entitlement Validation Platform (CEVP) for the department. This platform aims to provide instant proof of concession entitlement and offer a user-friendly interface for passengers to apply for and manage their concession entitlements. The overarching goal is to enhance the overall experience for both passengers and department staff. 

One notable feature of the CEVP is its pioneering capability to link credit cards with concession cards, making it a first-of-its-kind feature in Australia. This integration is anticipated to provide payment flexibility for concession cardholders, adding a layer of convenience to their travel experience. 

“Our human-first approach to designing a solution puts the end user at the front and the center,” said Michael Horton, Executive Vice President and Country Manager, Australia and New Zealand, HCLTech. “Over one in three Victorians travel on a concession card and some of them are among the most vulnerable in the community. HCLTech knows that it is important to get this right, using technology to support this cohort while also unlocking business value.” 

In another strategic move, HCLTech announced its collaboration with Roadzen, a leading AI-driven auto insurance technology company, on November 29. This partnership aims to harness the power of AI and data engineering to benefit both auto insurance carriers and their customers. 

The collaboration with Roadzen is poised to help auto owners preserve the value of their assets, enhance safety, and reduce insurance premiums. Simultaneously, it will provide insurance carriers with valuable insights into driver behaviours, ultimately improving loss ratios.