GERMANY, July 30, 2001 (PRIMEZONE) -- SmartStop, Inc. today announced the expansion of the truck stop industry's first multi-application smart card in all Rip Griffin Travel Centers across the southern United States, as a result of the success of the Terrell, Texas showcase implementation, in operation since August 2000. OTI (GER:OT5) provides the microprocessor-based smart card technology, products and solutions that support the SmartStop program.
At each Rip Griffin facility, truck drivers will use a smart card for access to the showers. Rip Griffin has also tested and plans to use the same smart card for loyalty points, on-island fueling, automated truck weighments, and prepaid e-cash for service or convenience store purchases. The e-cash and loyalty points will be transferable across the entire Rip Griffin Travel Center network, motivating drivers to choose Rip Griffin as their preferred truck stop. Future applications include funds transfer directly to the card, Internet access, personal and business telephone calls and other applications essential to the efficient movement of freight across the country.
"The success of the Terrell Showcase demonstrates that the trucking industry can benefit from smart card technology. Drivers and fleets are looking for technologies that are more convenient, lower cost and provide greater control and security," said Mark Evers, President and CEO of SmartStop, Inc. "We look forward to greater success as the Rip Griffin network is brought on line."
"The truck stop environment demonstrates once again how OTI products and solutions can upgrade any existing platform with maximum efficiency and minimum investment. The secure and user-friendly OTI solution establishes a cutting-edge loyalty program that is both effective and economical," said Ohad Bashan, President and CEO of OTI America, Inc.
The Jubitz Truck Stop in Portland, OR has also implemented the SmartStop smart card program, focusing on loyalty applications for truck drivers and local residents.
About SmartStop
SmartStop, Inc., located in Portland, Oregon, is a national technology-based solutions provider to the trucking industry. The company provides products and services to hundreds of truck stops across the country.
For more information, please visit the company's website, http://www.smartstop.net.
About OTI
Established in 1990, OTI (On Track Innovations) designs and develops contactless microprocessor based smart card technology to address the needs of a wide variety of markets. Applications developed by OTI include product solutions for mass transit, parking, gas management systems, loyalty schemes, ID and secure campuses. OTI has regional offices in the US, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Africa to market and support its products. The company was awarded the prestigious ESCAT Award for smart card innovation in both 1998 and 2000. Visit OTI on the Internet at www.oti.co.il.