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Reaction to contactless smart card travel plans
27 Aug 2009

Further backing for the government's proposed contactless smart card ticketing system has come in the form of the Campaign for Better Transport.

The organisation released a statement saying that it supported the scheme, which went to consultation last week.

It would involve smart card technology being used instead of paper tickets on trains, buses and other forms of transport across the UK. 

Stephen Joseph, executive director of the group, said that there were a number of issues politicians should bear in mind when establishing this system.

The government must realise that the developments are not all about technology, he explained. 

"[It] has a critical role with local authorities to make the most of smart card technology but the plans must specify that door-to-door ticketing will be valid on all operators to be of most use to passengers," Mr Joseph continued.

Meanwhile, thanks to sQuidcard, people in Bolton, Greater Manchester, will soon be able to pay for bus travel in the region with their ITSO-certified GMTPE transit purse, which is contained on their Bolton Council smart cards.