BERNADETTE WIGHTMAN

PRESIDENT

CISCO CANADA

FOUNDING PARTNER, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CATEGORY

Cisco offers passengers a seamless connected passenger experience with tools that will allow

travellers to access a number of services, including travel alerts, live updates, wayfinding, promotions, ticket services, hotel information and much more. All of this will run on a Cisco network.

Why did you get involved in the UP project?

Infrastructure is a key concern for cities around the world—and key to Toronto’s aspiration to continue to be a preeminent global destination. It’s not just a matter of updating systems that have been in place for many years, it’s also about creating new infrastructure that can handle many of today’s concerns—such as energy consumption, traffic congestion and efficient transit—while predicting tomorrow’s challenges. As urban populations continue to grow, transit is a key concern for cities in managing the travel requirements of city populations, suburban commuters and visitors on a daily basis. So it’s vital that transportation infrastructure be on the top of the list for city planners.

We believe the foundation for the city of the future will be the network and the information it carries, enabling the delivery of vital services from transportation, utilities and security to entertainment, education and healthcare. This is at the heart of Cisco’s Internet of Everything vision. We’ve worked with numerous cities around the world to help improve their infrastructure through connectivity, which can enhance the quality of life and help spur economic, social and environmental sustainability.

UP Express allows Cisco to show the City of Toronto what is possible. Cisco powers the network that helps to create a seamless, connected passenger experience by enabling services and developing special tools for UP Express travellers like travel alerts, hospitality information and live updates.

How can companies work together to improve the customer experience?

Cisco is in a good position because we work with partners all the time in order to improve their end-customer experience. That’s one of the reasons Cisco is building the Toronto Internet of Everything Innovation Centre— to bring manufacturers, integrators, vendors, customers and the public sector together. Collaboration is key, and we find that as long as we share the same goal, such as improved customer experience, we can work together to achieve it more effectively.

What’s most important to you when you’re travelling?

Connectivity, power and comfort. Being able to keep in touch is critical to me wherever I am. Network connectivity is almost expected now, especially when travelling, which is key to my job. Knowing my Mum and Dad in the UK, my husband or my son can reach me anytime, and vice versa, keeps me sane. I am usually travelling on business so having access to a power outlet is a bonus. Being able to catch-up on work in transit means when I arrive I can spend my time with those most important to me—my customers, partners and the Cisco team. Lastly, a comfortable seat. On personal travel, I usually just want to sleep so I can start my holidays refreshed and ready to go.