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Govt focuses on contactless smart cards
24 Aug 2009

Smart ticketing - such as that which uses contactless smart card technology - can be "a key part of offering a 21st-century public transport system", according to the transport minister.

Sadiq Khan said that he wants to see "universal coverage of smart ticketing" on public transport across the UK as soon as possible.

In some cases, being able to use the technology to make direct payments will ensure there is no need to buy tickets at all, he added. This could result in quicker boarding of transport and shorter queues, among many other benefits.

Mr Sadiq's comments came on Thursday as the government launched a smart card consultation paper.

Central to the plans are the use of the government-backed ITSO infrastructure, which allows for seamless travel within cities and regions and across different forms of transport.

Meanwhile, thanks to sQuidcard, residents in Bolton, Greater Manchester, will soon be able to use the ITSO certified GMTPE transit purse on their Bolton Council smart cards to pay for bus travel in the region.