news

Greater Manchester smart ticketing moves forward

Posted: 7 September 2015 | Katie Sadler, Digital Content Producer, Intelligent Transport

A new report suggests Greater Manchester smart ticketing scheme has gained momentum despite the resent termination of contract with key supplier Atos in August 2015. Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) pledged its commitment to the ‘get me there’ smart ticketing system. Now members of the TfGM Committee are to be updated with revised plans for […]

Greater Manchester smart ticketing moves forward

A new report suggests Greater Manchester smart ticketing scheme has gained momentum despite the resent termination of contract with key supplier Atos in August 2015.

Greater Manchester smart ticketing moves forward

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) pledged its commitment to the ‘get me there’ smart ticketing system. Now members of the TfGM Committee are to be updated with revised plans for ‘smart’ travel. Key developments include:

On Metrolink:

  • Introducing a smart phone app, enabling passengers to buy and download Metrolink tickets through their smartphone. ‘Mobile ticketing’ is already offered by some bus companies.
  • Upgrading of the network’s 250-plus ticket machines so people can use contactless bank cards to buy printed tickets.

On bus:

  • Supporting the principal UK bus operators’ (Arriva, First and Stagecoach) introduction of smart ticketing in Greater Manchester by:
  • enabling passengers to load a range of pre-paid travelcards onto smartcards for use on bus services across Greater Manchester.
  • assisting smaller bus companies in being part of the smart ticketing future too by ensuring they have the right on-board kit and back-office connections.

The report also details a strategic Memorandum of Understanding signed by TfGM, South Yorkshire PTE and West Yorkshire Combined Authority to support the development of smart ticketing in the North.

“This report is a confirmation of our commitment to delivering smarter ways for people to travel in Greater Manchester”

Councillor Andrew Fender, Chair of the TfGM Committee, said: “We know how disappointed everyone was to hear the news last month but it was not a decision that was taken lightly.

“It certainly hasn’t stopped us pressing ahead so I’m pleased to be able to set out today some of the progress that’s being made on passenger-facing benefits.

“These initiatives will benefit tram and bus passengers and will make these travel choices more appealing options in future.

“I repeat TfGM’s commitment to delivering this vision as soon as is practicable.  Our plan is to make travel in Greater Manchester easier and the over-arching smart ticketing programme will be refreshed over the next few months so we can give passengers confidence that smart ticketing is progressing in Greater Manchester.

“That piece of work will enable us to take advantage of new opportunities in technology and other significant developments, such as devolution and Transport for the North, which have come to pass since the original smart programme was launched.

“This report is a confirmation of our commitment to delivering smarter ways for people to travel in Greater Manchester.”

TfGM has been working with Arriva, First and Stagecoach as well as multi-operator travelcard provider SystemOne to include ‘get me there’ in their smart ticketing plans.