Somerset supports transit project via smart card ticketing
16 December, 2011
category: Contactless, Transit
The Somerset County Council, UK is planning to introduce a new smart card ticketing system, according to The Guardian.
Designed to maintain an efficient and more convenient service for passengers, the new ticketing system will not only speed up boarding times but also enable the council and bus companies to electronically log and track patrons’ trips. Drivers will no longer have to issue paper tickets.
The implementation will cover people are eligible for the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS), which offers discounted travel on local public transport for older and disabled people, run by the Department for Transport in conjunction with local authorities.
Somerset was among councils which secured £640,000 to bring smart card technology to small and medium operators in the region. Its share of the grant totals £184,000 and it has contributed £80,000 itself. Bus companies have also made an investment.