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Wales launches smart cards for public transport
21 Sep 2009

The Welsh government has rolled out a new smart card that can be used to pay for travel on public transport in Wales.

Described as Wales' version of the London Oyster card, the new system has been installed in 2,500 buses across the principality.

Officials hope that the technology will help reduce costs and increase efficiency for both transport groups and customers alike.

Earlier this year, eMoney network sQuidcard launched a similar system in Bolton, Greater Manchester, which allows residents to pay for bus travel across the region using contactless smart cards.

Last year, Managing Director of sQuidcard Adam Smith said that his company's technology "provides customers with an easy replacement for cash". He was commenting after the firm picked up an award from Gemalto e-Payments Terminals for innovative design and features.

Meanwhile, deputy first minister and minister for the economy and transport Ieuan Wyn Jones revealed that further smart card developments are in store for Wales in the near future.

"This is only the beginning of this technology. We will now begin to develop the Wales Transport Entitlement card, which will mean that people could only need one card to travel on all bus and train services in Wales," he remarked.