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UK minister proposes nationwide transit card scheme
7 Sep 2010

UK residents could soon be able to seamlessly travel across the country using a single transit card, according to a UK minister.

Transport minister Norman Baker has ordered transport officials to draw up plans for the nationwide scheme and claimed it could be operational "within a few years".

The programme, which is based on London's Oyster card, will allow users to pay for on buses, trains and trams across Britain without the need for cash.

Mr Baker said: "The aim is that you get one smartcard ticket which enables you to use it whether you are in Bristol on the bus, on the tube in London or in Newcastle on the Metro."

The project, which was initially set to be completed by 2020, could give commuters more confidence in public transport and would cut administrative costs, making travel cheaper, he said.

However, Mr Baker admitted the incorporation of long-distance rail journeys into the scheme may be complicated.