25/05/2011
Progress continues to be made on START project activities in Cantabria in relation to user communication and the integration of advanced payment systems in public transport.
Statistics show that acceptance of the contactless Transporte de Cantabria card is still growing amongst its users. The final figures for 2010 are promising, with over 52,000 cards on the market and a ratio of almost 50% use amongst travellers within the intercity bus network.
The merge with rail company RENFE’s network is scheduled for completion this summer. In addition, a new contract has been awarded to the value of 75,000 Euro to integrate the contactless card within the urban transport network in the city of Santander.
New applications to improve user information are also being developed. The latest of these is an interactive map providing information on the location of the closest stop and the timetable for suburban services in Santander. The application will be available as a mobile phone (smartphone) app or online.
The app will be in operation from next June once the trial period is over, which is currently taking place and has so far produced satisfactory results.
Another field in which initial steps are being taken is that of NFC technology and its application in payment systems within the transport sector. A preliminary study has been conducted within the framework of the START project to ascertain the current situation in the Spanish market and to assess the benefit of developing a pilot project within this area.
It is worth mentioning that, thanks to the continuous exchange of experiences with other members of the START project, all projects are being developed with particular sensitivity to people who risk being excluded because of a disability.
Accessibility is an aspect to which regional authorities are paying close attention with regard to the implementation of new payment systems and provision of information for users. With this in mind, a new bilingual voice system (in Spanish and English) has been installed at the bus station in Santander, the main transport hub for travellers within the region.
In terms of the development of the contactless card, the new information and ticket machines include a number of units that can be accessed at two different heights, thus making it easier for wheelchair users with limited mobility.
Another innovation is the acquisition of cards that have been especially designed for people who are visually impaired. The cards have embossed features to allow the user to identify them, in addition to information in Braille regarding the customer service centre, including a helpline number in case any issues are encountered when using the card.