New Swiftpass chairman to drive success in global transport industry

Swiftpass, the global supplier of mobile ticketing technologies, has today appointed Trevor Smallwood, former head of transport giant FirstGroup, as its chairman.

Swiftpass will be exploiting Smallwood's critical knowledge and senior level contacts to spearhead its assault on the global transport sector.

Smallwood comments: "Mobile ticketing as a concept has so much to offer operators yet the industry has yet to take full advantage of its benefits. I am thrilled to be working with a business at the forefront of mobile technology and I relish the challenge of communicating these business benefits in a way that will resonate with the transport sector."

Oliver Seal, CEO of Swiftpass adds: "The business is currently experiencing substantial growth and the transport sector is one key element of this. Our recent work with Las Vegas Monorail has illustrated how mobile ticketing can bring a myriad of financial and operational benefits, as well as improved customer satisfaction. This is a significant appointment for us and we are delighted to welcome someone with Trevor's expertise and experience."

Prior to joining Swiftpass, Smallwood was executive chairman of FirstGroup plc. He led the MBO of Badgerline from National Bus Company in 1986 and during the following 13 years, engineered the growth of the business from one employing 800 people to one with a £2bn turnover and profits of almost £100m with a worldwide reach. Smallwood oversaw the international expansion of the Group which today operates in many countries, with some 10,000 buses in the UK, 14,000 US school buses and has three UK rail franchises. Trevor Smallwood was also chairman of Bristol airports, a position from which he retired in September 1999.

In addition to being chairman at Swiftpass, Trevor Smallwood is also chairman of Greater Bristol Foundation, a local charity, non executive director of Brandon Tool Hire plc, UKRD radio stations and Bristol Water plc.