Halton readies Oyster-style transit system
12 August, 2011
category: Contactless, Transit
Public transport passengers in Halton, England will soon be able to use contactless transit cards on buses, trains and ferries, according to Runcorn & Widness Weekly News.
Slated for debut in October, the new Oyster-style passes will be distributed by Merseytravel to those renewing their season tickets.
In addition to transport ticketing, Merseytravel plans for the cards to eventually be used for small value purchases at shops in the area.
Several transit stations are already equipped with smart card technology in preparation for the roll out, including Cumfy bus, Avon, and Arriva 500 and 501 bus services, as well as Merseyrail’s eight most trafficked train stations.
More card readers will be installed at other stations and at ferry ports in the coming months. 100 Merseytravel staff are currently testing the technology to ensure it is bug free before the launch.
As a little bonus, the system is also compatible with the smart cards issued to area pensioners, according to R&W.
Read more here.