Transport for London (TfL) has awarded a supplier contract for the development and implementation of a new lost property system.

IT services firm PDMS will carry out the work related to the platform, which is scheduled to go live in mid 2010 under a software development framework aimed at speeding up delivery times. It is expected that the new system will provide real-time data on lost property so that items can be returned to customers more efficiently.

Functionality planned for the system includes a browser-based feature that allows customers to register a lost item as well as search for lost items over the web.

TfL handles over 220,000 pieces of lost property a year from London’s buses, the Tube, London Overground, the Docklands Light Railway, taxis and Victoria Coach Station.