Smartcard technology installed on over 2,500 West Midland buses

Card readers programmed to accept the free national concessionary passes for older and eligible blind and disabled people.

The £14m Smartcard project has been rolled out on West Midlands buses.

The project by regional transport authority Centro has seen more than 2,500 buses fitted with electronic card readers.

They are programmed to accept the free national concessionary passes for older and eligible blind and disabled people, but the successful installation of the machines on the region’s buses will enable new kinds of smart ticketing to be introduced.

These will simplify the ticketing process, make public transport even more convenient, deliver faster and more efficient travel and reduce fraud.

Holders of concessionary passes are also provided with free travel on West Midland trains and trams.

Virtually all the buses and depots belonging to the region’s bus companies have now been fitted out by Centro with the Smartcard machines and back office computer equipment.

Local rail operator London Midland also has a commitment to introduce Smartcard technology on the West Midlands rail network as part of its franchise agreement and Centro is working with the company to ensure their system is complimentary.

Local Transport Minister Norman Baker said: "The benefits of smart ticketing are clear - quicker, easier and potentially better value journeys on trains, buses and trams."

"My personal vision is to see seamless travel on one smart card throughout the country by 2020, at the latest, and I believe the roll-out of smart ticketing will attract more people onto public transport."

Further information:
Centro