We have all heard the stories about the cuts in public spending the new Coalition government is considering. Every government department is being asked to identify significant cost savings, and the Department for Transport (DfT) is no exception. We’re expecting a White Paper on spending in October – so could changes be on the menu for smart ticketing?
There is currently a head of steam behind smart ticketing in the UK. The Oyster scheme in London is considered to be one of the most successful smart ticketing schemes in the world; smart ticketing schemes (both ITSO and non-ITSO) have been implemented in Cheshire, Nottinghamshire, Southampton, Yorkshire, and the NoWcard area of north west England. Planning for Centro’s scheme in the West Midlands is at an advanced stage, and the devolved administrations of Scotland and Wales have also been active. 12 million Concessionary Travel cards have been issued, and ITSO is now a requirement in all new rail franchises.
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