Videlli Limited (formerly Energy Research Group or ERG Ltd) was an Australian company that developed automated fare collection systems for transit systems. Founded in 1984 as ERG, it was listed on the Australian Securities Exchange in 1985. Due to the large level of losses run up, ERG sold all the operating assets to Vix Technology in 2008, before ERG changed its name to Videlli and was delisted. Its head office was in Melbourne, Victoria.
History
In 1978, Associated Electronic Services Ltd (AES), a Perth-based engineering company, began developing an automated fare collection (AFC) system. In 1984 AES won a contract for an AFC system in Toronto, Canada. That same year Energy Research Group (ERG) was listed on the stock exchange. ERG was a venture capital-backed company, researching various technologies including an electronic sign board and a manufacturing process for surfboards.
In 1987, ERG acquired a controlling interest in AES. The first project the new ERG won was in Darwin, resulting in the world's first use of smart cards for passengers by a public transit organisation. In 1988 ERG acquired the balance of AES.
In 1989, ERG acquired Radiolab, which specialised in pagers and base stations, to become ERG's telecommunications and manufacturing division. ERG also acquired a 70% interest in Prodata Electronics, Belgium.[1]