consortium

The future of public transport is small and plastic, fits in your pocket and will one day allow you to buy this newspaper.

Welcome to the world of Smartcard - the reusable, rechargeable ticket that will be introduced across Melbourne's public transport network from 2007.

Premier Steve Bracks yesterday announced the $494 million contract for the new ticket system had been won by a consortium led by American IT firm Keane.

[ State awards Smartcard deal to US bidder ]