Cubic to work with Microsoft in CityNext Initiative
Transport company Cubic Transportation Systems will participate in Microsoft's global CityNext initiative. Looking to the future of urban life and infrastructure, the initiative aims to establish a coordinated framework suitable for urban centres suffering from traffic congestion issues. The first part of the joint venture’s contract is with the Miami-Dade County’s Department of Transportation and Public Works, where it will modernise existing systems. In collaboration with the University of Melbourne, it will also create an urban laboratory that supports the testing and implementation of connected transport.
Cubic's business unit Cubic Transportation Systems (CTS) will be participating in Microsoft CityNext, a global initiative which aims to empower cities, businesses and citizens to reimagine their futures and cultivate vibrant communities.

Cubic is a global company which designs, and develops products and services focused in the transportation markets.

Through the Microsoft CityNext initiative, Microsoft and CTS intends to help cities by combining the latest technology with innovative solutions and establish a new network between governments, businesses and citizens with services that increase efficiencies.

"Microsoft CityNext ushers in innovative technology solutions to create opportunities for cities and their citizens, enabling them to accomplish what they never thought possible."

Cubic’s NextCity is a coordinated framework that is suitable for urban centers where increasing populations are resulting in greater traffic congestion, and frustrated travelers.

Cubic Transportation Systems president Matt Cole said: “Cubic and Microsoft have been working at full speed for several months to introduce our alliance to existing and potential customers, and we have secured projects in North America and Australia.



“The first is part of our contract with the Miami-Dade County’s Department of Transportation and Public Works to modernize the Cubic-supplied EASY Card revenue management system, including migration of their back office to Microsoft’s Azure.”

NextCity integrates travel information and payment, customer experience as well as operations and analytics in the region for all modes of transportation.

On the other hand Microsoft will be offering its Azure cloud platform that provides the hosting environment as well as manages the back office data from participating agencies.

Cubic has also entered into an agreement with the University of Melbourne in Australia for creating a first of its kind urban laboratory that supports testing and implementation of connected transport in a real-world and dynamic environment, along with the critical urban analytics that drive change.

Integrating Cubic’s solution with Azure platform would be beneficial to governments as well as wider transportation industry to examine different mobility and transport scenarios in preparing for future smart cities.

Microsoft Worldwide Public Sector business development managing director Trudy Norris-Grey said: “We’re thrilled to partner with Cubic on Microsoft CityNext. Microsoft prioritizes a people- and partner-first approach across all our initiatives, and this initiative is no different.

“While cities are feeling the strain from economic challenges, Microsoft CityNext ushers in innovative technology solutions to create opportunities for cities and their citizens, enabling them to accomplish what they never thought possible.

“We’re inspired by our diverse partner ecosystem and know that working together we can help cities realize their full potential.”

Cubic has also entered into an agreement with the University of Melbourne in Australia for creating a first of its kind urban laboratory that supports testing and implementation of connected transport in a real-world and dynamic environment, along with the critical urban analytics that drive change.