About Us
Experience, Expertise and Innovation
MaaStran simplifies the implementation of greener, more affordable multi-modal transport solutions. Our award-winning technology encompass a wide range of features including journey planning, payments, multi-modal ticketing, rewards, revenue inspection, validation and settlement. MaaStran can enhance the passenger experience across public and active transport.
Our team also brings extensive sector knowledge, providing clients with a wide range of professional expertise and consultancy services. We are actively supporting clients in areas such as transport ticketing, contactless payment applications, Fintech Payment services, Expert Witness services, Local Authority Smart City initiatives, active travel, Net Zero goals, higher education, incentive programs, and enhancing existing services to enable the future of multi-modal transport or Mobility as a Service (MaaS). ​
Experience, Expertise and Innovation
​​Our core skills and experience are in the areas of:
​
• Proposition definition and development
• Network infrastructure and application architecture
• Sustainable service improvement at reduced cost
• Rapid project delivery to accelerate benefit realisation
• Transport ticketing including future ticketing technology
• Multi-application smart card schemes.
We approach each of our clients with fresh eyes to develop customised, unique strategies.
​
Want to experience the expertise for yourself? Give us a call today and let’s discuss what we can do for you.
Meet Our Team
Where the Passion Begins
​
MaaStran’s resources bring a wealth of experience in the design, implementation and operation of transport services and existing ticketing and payment systems in rail, bus, tram, car active travel, MaaS and rewards. We support information distribution, ticketing, retailing, intra-company trading, rewards, incentives and settlement. Our Team regularly contribute to industry forums and are often asked to speak or chair conferences such as Transport Ticketing Global. The team are supported by legal, financial, marketing and operations management experts.
We pride ourselves in developing long term client relationships which are built on trust and a track record of achievement. We focus on achieving the objectives and delivering the benefits. We carefully define the objectives, scope, timescales and expected output for each assignment undertaken. We ensure the correct mix of resources from the client organisation, MaaStran and third parties is assembled on each team.
When required, MaaStran (and its consulting division Smartran Consulting) can draw in additional resources from a network of known associates and business partners to provide subject experts or integrated project teams. Our team is eager to learn, open to new ideas and technologies and adaptable to the fast-changing and increasingly complex business environment. Read below to learn more about our exceptional team.
CEO
Erika Vincent MBA
Before establishing MaaStran, Erika co-founded the consultancy company Smartran Consulting and has been Business Development Director since its launch. Erika has over fifteen years transport ticketing experience and has also advised the GLA, London Councils and many other government departments and transport operators. Erika has led multiple successful OJEU/LA Framework bids and also created a reward scheme to incentivise use of public transport. Erika has an MBA with distinction from Durham University Business School
COO
Kevin Farquharson
MA
Kevin Farquharson is an expert in payment applications, account based ticketing, transport smart ticketing, reward schemes and university card schemes. He has over 30 years wide-ranging experience successfully implementing and managing multi-million pound IT programmes and projects. He has gained his experience in Government, Transport, Local Authority, Oil & Gas, Finance, Utility and Technology sectors. Kevin has a degree in Engineering from the University of Cambridge
CTO
Linus Norton
BSc
Linus has over 13 years experience in software development, technical leadership and the rail industry. He is a specialist in journey planning algorithms, ticket issuing and settlement systems. Linus has previously held C-level positions at On Track Retail and Assertis.
Finance
John Vickers MA (Cantab)
John has an MA in Natural Sciences from the University of Cambridge and is a Chartered Accountant with nearly 25 years’ experience in senior commercial finance and accounting roles with major companies in a variety of industries, including pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and medical devices.
Before joining the team, John worked for eleven years as Financial Director of a leading technical consultancy in the oil and gas sector. working as part of management team that expanded this wide-ranging international business from turnover of £28m to £230m though acquisition and organic growth. He has experience in systems development, international operations, commercial financial management, controls and governance, taxation and reporting working as part of management team that expanded this international business from turnover of £28m to £230m though acquisition and organic growth
Principal Consultant
Steve Beecroft ACIB
Steve has over 25 years experience in the payment industry with Payment Networks, Issuers, Acquirers and disruptive technology providers for several payments channels including EMV, Chip & PIN Contactless, Mobile Contactless and Mobile Remote Payments. Steve has been at the forefront of the development of standards and best practice guidance for Contactless and Mobile Payments in UK and more widely across Europe with his representation on various steering groups at UK Cards Association (formally APACA) and European Payments Council. With extensive industry experience Steve is acknowledged as an expert in his field, and is regularly asked to speak at events, provide media commentary, and to join industry level working groups.
Our Valued Clients
MaaStran's clients include transport operators, DfT, Local Authorities, developers, schools, colleges, universities, ticketing system providers and RDG (formerly ATOC and Rail Settlement Plan).
Smartran is responsible for trialling one of the most innovative contactless payment in transport solutions, designing and implementing many of the resident cards schemes in London, is leading on the design of multi-application student cards and has advised the GLA, DfT, London Councils and many other organisations.
Our team includes experts from many fields who are ready to help develop and grow your business. From initial ideas to execution, we have vast experience throughout. Have a look at our client list below and get in touch with any questions.
.jpg)
Nottingham Trams
Fares Collection & Ticketing
Project management and systems design
Smartran Consulting was responsible for system design, implementation planning, integration of ITSO period pass, carnet and e-purse; TVM design and deployment, validators, handheld ticket checking and revenue protection; customer proposition, retail channels, customer service and maintenance arrangements with suppliers; recent PCIDSS review.
​
Smartran Consulting has been re-engaged by Nottingham Trams to advise and assist with the renewal of ticket retailing including the addition of multi-operator Transit EMV acceptance.
MultiPass
Contactless EMV and Mobiles
Programme management and solution design
Smartran Consulting assisted MultiPass in delivering two innovative solutions for frictionless travel on rail (mobile app utilising blue tooth beacons) and contactless EMV payment acceptance on bus. The bus EMV trial was the first Touch on/off PAYG ABT scheme outside of London. It was an innovative and unique proposition for customers and bus operators which combines account based features and UK Cards Model 2 including liability sharing.
Merseyrail
ITSO Smart Ticketing
Project Management & Consultancy
Working closely with Merseytravel, Smartran Consulting was responsible for scope, design, planning, specification and resourcing of rail extension of Walrus smart ticketing and potentially part of Transport for the North smart ticketing. Drawing in best practice and experience from other operators and city schemes. Scope of systems includes retail, gates, passenger validators, handheld checker and back office systems integration to deliver a customer service improvements and financial return.
Department for Transport
Regional smart ticketing schemes
DfT and Norfolk County Council. This was a multi-operator scheme for mixed urban and rural bus services. Smartran Consulting provided consultancy support and was a member of the Program Board, prepared board reports, engaged with the bus operators and reviewed their network, services and systems. This resulted in the launch of the Norfolk Holdall card alongside concessionary passes and subsequently Transit EMV on bus.
.png)
University of the Arts London
Design, tendering, supplier selection and implementation
Smartran Consulting has successfully advised on the design, tendering, supplier selection and implementation of a multi-application student card which was rolled out to very tight timescales. The work included testing of functions from registration through to card application and interface integration. We successfully provided technical support to the card issuing process and integration with library and access control services.
.png)
Strathclyde Passenger Transport
Glasgow contactless smart tickets
Smartran Consulting continue to advise on use of contactless smart tickets for occasional users of bus and underground service; introduction of supplier; integration testing with vending and parking machines; co-ordination supply of over 10 million tickets in first year.
If you’re ready to succeed, we are ready to help. Call us today to set up a consultation.