Modern on-board computers for century-old steamships

Switzerland’s Lake Lucerne Navigation Company (SVG) plans to install the i.box printer system of IVU Traffic Technologies AG on board its five classic steamships and fifteen newer motor ships. Furthermore, embarking points and sales agencies will be equipped with the i.box printer. At the request of SGV contractor ASCOM Switzerland, the Berlin-based software company will deliver the new system as a replacement for SGV’s old equipment.Provided with an integrated ticket printer and complete ticketing functions, the i.box printer is the most advanced on-board computer available on the market. It will support ticket sales on the ships. SGV will also introduce the AFAB system for the accounting of the earnings from ticket sales. The system will go into trial operation on Lake Lucerne in June 2005 and begin full operation in November.

“The continuing success of our modern on-board computer is very encouraging,“ said IVU Vice President Dr. Olaf Schemczyk in Berlin. “This is already the second order in a month.” In January, Wolfsburger Verkehrsgesellschaft ordered one hundred on-board computers, together with vehicle monitoring and passenger information systems. IVU has redeveloped the i.box printer in recent years. The pilot customer SWEG Südwestdeutsche Verkehrs-Aktiengesellschaft in Lahr, Germany, successfully tested it for user-friendliness. Since then, IVU has sold over 300 computers, including those delivered last year for Klagenfurt's electronic customer card system, which was supplied by ASCOM Austria.

In Lucerne, ASCOM will install the computers with support from IVU and train the navigation company’s employees. In addition, ASCOM plans to continue marketing IVU systems in Switzerland. “Together with IVU we have now introduced to the Swiss Market the most modern on-board computer – an excellent first step toward further success,“ said Christoph Franzen, Managing Director of ASCOM Transport Revenue Switzerland.

In 1997, SGV celebrated the 160th anniversary of steam shipping on Lake Lucerne. Today, the company operates a fleet of five classic paddle steamers and fifteen elegant salon motor ships, which can accommodate a combined total of 13,000 passengers. The oldest ship is the Uri, a 650-horsepower paddle steamer that was built in the Sulzer Brothers shipyard and has a displacement of 293.6 tons. A total of 33 boat terminals give hikers access to countless trails around the lake.

Contact:
Thomas Vogt
Head of Corporate Communications
IVU Traffic Technologies AG
Bundesallee 88
12161 Berlin Germany
Phone +49.30.85906-800
E-Mail to Thomas Vogt

IVU Traffic Technologies AG is a leading supplier of IT systems for planning, operating and optimising transport and logistics processes. Over 25 years of experience developing hardware and software systems for more than 300 public transport companies has also made IVU the market leader for IT solutions in other segments: monitoring truck fleets, setting up retail networks in geo-marketing, election processing. This is IVU's approach to transportation and beyond.

The i.box printer is an intelligent on-board computer with integrated ticket printer. Based on a cost-efficient standard PC, the i.box printer connects vehicle monitoring systems and ticketing functions in a single device. Its clearly organized display, intuitive structure, high printer speed and ease of use thanks to soft keys ensure short stopping times. The i.box printer is being operated by IVU's central ticketing software AFAB.

AFAB® is a ticketing system for public transport which integrates all types of fare collection and payment options. AFAB is working hand-in-hand with automatic vehicle location systems as well as with RTPI systems or financial software packages. The heart of the system is AFAB.office, a modular software package that ties together all aspects of the ticketing process including control, administration, sales analysis and ticket validation. IVU's on-board computer family "i.box" is being operated with the AFAB.office software.