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eMoney News

Smart card technology comes to bike hire service
11 Jul 2011

Cycling enthusiasts in the UK can now make use of smart card travel technology to hire bikes, as part of the self-service Brompton Bicycle rental initiative.

Launched by South West Trains in association with manufacturer Brompton Bicycle, the project is being piloted at Guildford Station.

People are able to buy their smart cards over the web from £1.60 a day and then use the plastic to open a locker at the station and take out a bike.

Phil Dominey of South West Trains said it is hoped it will encourage more people to consider transport alternatives other than cars.

"This is the first time in the UK that Brompton bikes will be available from a self-service dock and we believe this will make it easier for people to cycle to or from Guildford station," he remarked.

Smart card travel is also coming to Devon and Cornwall this year, thanks to a £3 million grant from the Local Sustainable Transport Fund, run by the Department for Transport.

The scheme will be rolled out on all 3,400 registered bus services in the south-west, the Western Morning News reported.