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
2024/25 TCF Meeting Dates
Free attendance for Transport Operator and Local Authority representatives
We are delighted to announce that this year’s two-day Conference & Exhibition for the Smart Transport Forum, TCF25, will take place in Cardiff on 23rd & 24th September 2025 at the Cardiff Marriot Hotel, and is kindly being supported by Transport for Wales.
We shall be bringing together Government, transport operators, consultants, suppliers, city representatives, Local Government bodies and other industry specialists to explain, debate and understand the current status, challenges and future plans affecting the smart transport landscape, under the main event theme of ‘What direction is public transport going in and what is the value-add of smart technology?’
WHO SHOULD ATTEND TCF25?
- Transport Operator representatives (FREE, terms apply, see below)
- Local Authority, PTA and City/Regional 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 TCF25?
- Appreciate the fundamental shifts happening in smart public transport, 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
TCF25 will be supported and enriched by sponsors and exhibitors (to be announced shortly), 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 Local Government bodies with transport schemes.
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 material
- Refreshments on arrival and throughout both days, including two buffet luncheons
- Drinks reception on afternoon of 23 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 Cardiff Marriott Hotel (the event venue) will be made available to delegates @ £130 per night for nights of 22 and/or 23 September
- Event dinner on the evening of 23 September
DRINKS RECEPTION
Our informal drinks reception will be held in the event exhibition room on the afternoon of Tuesday, 23 September.
EVENT DINNER
Our traditional event dinner will be held after the drinks reception on the evening of 23 September at the Cardiff Marriott Hotel. Guests will be asked to pay for their own meal, at a cost of £50 + VAT, and this may be done in advance with Smartex (see booking form link below). For those arriving the day before the event (22 September), we shall also be arranging an informal pre-event dinner (further details to follow).
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 each be offered two delegate passes for the conference sessions.
ATTENDANCE TERMS FOR NON-MEMBERS
- Delegates from transport operators/LAs/PTAs/City Representatives may attend free-of-charge for both days (max. 2 people per organisation)
- Other non-members may attend at a cost of £200 + VAT per delegate per day
REGISTRATION PROCEDURE
If you would like to reserve your place at TCF25, please complete the Online Booking Form, or email annabel@smartex.com and let us know whether you will be attending for one or both days of the event, and whether or not you wish to join for the event dinner on the evening of 23 September.
CONTACT US
If you have any questions relating to TCF25 attendance, or would be interested in becoming a sponsor/exhibitor, please contact Annabel Cartwright at annabel@smartex.com or on +44 (0)7785 254405.