German-based transport technology specialist is expanding its UK operations following capture of Transport for London iBus contract

 
Left to right: Matthias Kuehn INIT chief operating officer, Megan Powell Vreeswijk, chief executive of Marketing Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, Jens Mullak and Juergen Greschner INIT chief corporate offiver cut the ribbon at the refurbished Nottingham office

 
By Andrew Garnett

German public transport technology firm INIT has celebrated the 15th anniversary of INIT Ltd, its UK operation, by refurbishing and expanding its Nottingham head office, a strategic move to accommodate its growing team and support an increasing number of contract wins. The expansion highlights the Karlsruhe-based company’s strengthening position in the UK market, which is on track to become its second largest after the United States.

Since securing its first contract in Leicestershire in the early 2000s, INIT has become a key player in the UK’s public transport technology sector. The company has been instrumental in developing a number of innovative solutions, including the multi-operator contactless ticketing system in its home city, the first to be introduced outside London. Other notable contracts include the delivery several years ago of a capped contactless ticketing system at National Express West Midlands.

A significant milestone in INIT’s UK journey came last spring when the company was awarded a 10-year, £160m contract to replace Transport for London’s iBus automatic vehicle location system. The new system, currently in development, will introduce advanced service control tools for bus operators and integrate with TfL’s voice radio, payments, and performance management systems.

This high-profile project, alongside other expansions, has driven INIT to invest further in the UK operation, ensuring it has the capacity and resources to meet the demands of its partners.

Marking 15 years of INIT in the UK is a proud milestone for INIT

The refurbishment of INIT’s Nottingham office is a direct response to this growth. The upgraded facility features a modern workspace designed to foster collaboration and innovation, reflecting the company’s long-term commitment to the UK market.

Further growth is planned, with the UK arm aiming to recruit a number of additional employees to support local operations, including the TfL contract. The Nottingham office will also serve as a hub for developing new technologies and, potentially, supporting projects within the wider INIT group.

Jens Mullak, managing director of INIT UK, commented on the milestone: “Marking 15 years of INIT in the UK is a proud milestone for INIT, and this office expansion reflects our commitment to innovation and growth in the Midlands.

“Since establishing a presence in Nottingham, we’ve worked tirelessly to enhance public transport systems with cutting-edge contactless ticketing technology. This investment will help us continue to support our growing team and deliver exceptional service to our partners across the UK.”

Mullak told Passenger Transport that INIT’s growth in the UK aligns with increasing demand for advanced public transport technology from UK operators and local authorities. He added that the company’s solutions, including real-time passenger information systems, electronic ticketing, and fleet management tools, have been widely adopted by transport operators worldwide who are seeking to improve efficiency and customer experience.

 
This article appears in the latest issue of Passenger Transport.

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