Cubic Transportation Signs Agreement with Metrix Inc. to Purchase Automation Software That Will Broaden Company's Service Offerings to Transit Customers.

Business Editors

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 16, 2003

Cubic Transportation Systems Inc., a subsidiary of San Diego-based Cubic Corp. (AMEX:CUB), announced it has signed a contract to purchase new customer services automation software made by Metrix Inc. The software will be integrated into Cubic's public transit automated fare collection central computing system and back-office software suite to improve service call response times and productivity, and lower transit authorities' fare collection system operating and management costs.

"As we continue to experience significant growth in our client base and expand the range of services that we offer, we need state-of-the-art technology and processes for meeting current and future customer needs. This Web-based addition to our customer services offering will improve the way our field service specialists around the globe can access customer and supplier information and increase their productivity by giving them everything they need, when they need it, on their laptop or pocket PC," said James Schleifer, vice president of customer services at Cubic. "It will allow us to streamline service processes, increase operational efficiency, improve field service response and resolution rates, and lower operating costs."

Cubic, the world leader in automated fare collection systems for public transit authorities, delivers a range of customer services including a 24/7 call center, system maintenance and extended warranty programs, communications network management and hosting services, card management facilities and outsourcing services. The new software package will be used for the company's transit customers worldwide.

Metrix 4e ProductService(TM) application suite will be integrated into the company's Nextfare(TM) Central System, an open architecture back office central computing system. Nextfare consists of a configurable suite of software modules that -- in addition to delivering the core central computing, transaction processing and financial operations for running an automated fare collection system -- includes a customer service database and advanced operational capabilities for system monitoring and asset and maintenance management.

The new automated system has already been implemented in the United Kingdom where Cubic Transportation Systems Ltd., the headquarters for Cubic's UK-European transportation operations and a subsidiary of Cubic Corp., provides customer services for several projects including Transport for London's "Oyster" smart card system and the independent Train Operating Companies.

The Metrix 4e ProductService(TM) suite will be implemented into Cubic's software platform in phases over the next year and will include the core modules: Contact Center, Field Service, Contracts & Warranties, Inventory & Logistics, Repair Center and Knowledge Base. Cubic also will be implementing Metrix's Mobile Techlink(R), a mobile field service automation product, and Metrix 4e IDM (intelligent device management module). Mobile Techlink will link Cubic's mobile field service team to the customer services database through wireless or connected access on a laptop or pocket PC. It will manage the flow of data between field service technicians and home office systems. Technicians will be able to "see" into the company's information as if they were connected from their desk and log customer problems, view customer service history, record parts usage, and schedule new installations while onsite at the customer's location.

Cubic will use the Metrix 4e IDM module to connect over the Internet to customer devices (hardware), providing remote monitoring and real-time alerts via the Metrix software. Thanks to this ability to view a real-time device information log for troubleshooting and problem resolution, Cubic's 24/7 call center representatives can send the right technician with the right parts to the job, reducing service time in most cases to just one visit.

In addition, Cubic will be able to more easily integrate HP OpenView, an off-the-shelf application used in Nextfare that allows support call and service repair information to be viewed on one unified system. With greater access to data via the Metrix software package, the company can quickly and cost-effectively analyze, respond to and resolve issues.

Cubic Transportation Systems is the world's leading system provider for regional multi-operator intermodal ticketing systems. Every year, nearly 10 billion rides are taken worldwide using Cubic fare collection systems in more than 40 major markets on five continents, including London; New York; Washington, D.C.; Baltimore; Sydney; counties in Sweden, Norway and Denmark; Rotterdam; Chicago; Atlanta; San Francisco; Los Angeles; Miami; Hong Kong; Guangzhou; Shanghai; and Singapore.

The corporation's other major segment, Cubic Defense Applications, provides instrumented air and ground combat training systems, battle command training, simulations and simulation support for U.S. and allied military forces. The group also produces high technology avionics, data links and communications products for government and commercial customers, and a wide range of technical and logistics services. For more information about Cubic, see the company's Web site at http://www.cubic.com.