Smart Transport Forum
The TCF was established by Smartex in 1997 at the request of the UK Department for Transport (DfT). It is a membership-based association open to all who are involved professionally with transport applications of smart cards and other smart customer media within the UK. The TCF is a forum where members and delegates from the public and private sector meet for discussion and mutual education relating to smart ticketing, smart payment, journey management and reporting, and to the underlying technologies supporting such applications.
This Forum meets quarterly, including an annual two-day Conference & Exhibition. Meeting subjects are selected by the TCF Steering Group. The main focus of this Forum is smart ticketing and payment technologies and applications for public transport. Meetings are chaired by the Department for Transport, and are attended by transport services providers, transport operators, consultants and other specialists in transport technology.
2025/26 TCF Meeting Dates
How far can we go with Connected Travel?
22nd & 23rd September 2026, Manchester
Treehouse Hotel, Blackfriars Street, Manchester M3 2EQ
We are delighted to announce that this year’s two-day Conference & Exhibition for the Smart Transport Forum, TCF26, will take place in Manchester on 22nd & 23rd September 2026 at the Treehouse Hotel, and is kindly being supported by Transport for Greater Manchester.
Under the main event theme of ‘How far can we go with Connected Travel?’ we shall be bringing together Government, transport operators, consultants, suppliers, city representatives, Local Government and Regional bodies and other industry specialists to explain, debate and understand the current status, challenges and future plans affecting the smart transport landscape.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND TCF26?
- Transport Operator representatives (FREE, terms apply, see below)
- Transport Authority Representatives (FREE, terms apply, see below)
- Product and Service Suppliers (terms apply, see below)
- Anyone with an interest in passenger transport and trends affecting the smart transport industry (terms apply, see below)
WHY ATTEND TCF26?
- Appreciate the fundamental shifts happening in smart public transport, where we are heading with ‘Connect Travel’, where we are going with franchising, and the potential value-add for smart technology
- Understand the main considerations for transport authorities, operators and passengers
- Learn from expert speakers about the emerging strategy and tactics for matching the quality and spread of smart transport systems to the travel requirements of passengers
- Discover the latest technologies that are revolutionising ticketing, payments and much more
- See demonstrations of modern smart ticketing, payment and related products
- Network with senior transport industry officials
- Enjoy our legendary Smartex hospitality!
THE SUPPORTING EXHIBITION
TCF26 will be supported and enriched by sponsors and exhibitors, who will be on hand to demonstrate and explain their latest products and services for this sector, and whose generosity permits Smartex to offer free attendance to invited non-member transport operators and authorities.
DRINKS RECEPTION
Our informal drinks reception will be held immediately after the end of the conference sessions on the afternoon of Tuesday, 22nd September in the event exhibition room.
EVENT DINNER
Our traditional event dinner will be held after the drinks reception at 7.15pm on the evening of 22nd September at Gusto Manchester. Guests will be asked to pay for their own meal, at a cost of £55 + VAT, and this may be done in advance with Smartex (see booking form link below). For those arriving the day before the event (21st September), we shall also be arranging an informal pre-event dinner (further details to follow).
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE DEAL FOR DELEGATES?
The following will be included:
- Participation at all sessions on both days
- Access, after the event, to all available presentation materials
- Refreshments on arrival and throughout both days, including two buffet luncheons
- Drinks reception on afternoon of 22nd September
The following are not included, and if required, must be reserved and paid for by participating delegates:
- Overnight accommodation: Preferential rates for those wishing to stay at the Treehouse Hotel (the event venue) are available to delegates @ £195 per night for nights of 21st and/or 22nd September. To book, visit Smartex Conference x Treehouse Hotels Manchester – the number of rooms available is limited, so please book a.s.a.p. to avoid disappointment, and before 24th August, after which normal rates will apply.
- Event dinner on the evening of 22nd September @ £55 + VAT
ATTENDANCE TERMS FOR SMARTEX MEMBERS
Current Smartex members with remaining attendance entitlements for a normal TCF one-day meeting may attend free-of-charge within their membership, and this event will count as one day of attendance, even if both days are attended. Sponsors/exhibitors will also be offered two free delegate passes for the conference sessions.
ATTENDANCE TERMS FOR NON-MEMBERS
- Delegates from Transport Operator and Authority representatives may attend free-of-charge for both days (max. 2 people per organisation)
- Other non-members may attend at a cost of £250 + VAT per delegate per day
REGISTRATION PROCEDURE
If you would like to reserve your place at TCF26, please complete the TCF26 Registration Form, or respond to this email and let me know whether you will be attending for one or both days of the event, and whether or not you wish to join for the pre-event informal dinner on 21st September and/or the main event dinner on the evening of 22nd September.
CONTACT US
If you have any questions relating to TCF26 attendance, or would be interested in becoming a sponsor/exhibitor, please contact me at annabel@smartex.com or on +44 (0)7785 254405. Details of exhibiting and sponsorship opportunities have been emailed separately.