01/05/2010
Smart Cards are new and innovative ticketing systems which make sustainable modes of transport easier to use, more convenient when changing modes and a clear pricing structure for journeys.
In Lower Normandy, the single ticketing system could take form thanks to the NFC Technology (cell phone) and a transport smart card. The region has a particular advantage concerning this matter: the competitiveness cluster TES (Protected Electronic Transactions).
In the UK, MerseyTravel will begin a consultation process with an ICT manager to develop innovative ticketing products aimed at visitors, e.g. mutli-journey tickets and through bus-rail ticketing.
In Cantabria, on 27th July 2009, the Regional Government released the Order IND/17/2009, a new disposal for the introduction of the smart card in train services. These subsidies, which global amount is 550.000 Euros, will include investment in software and hardware to develop the new system in railway operators. Currently, the contactless card is being used by the 100 % of regional bus operators and, so far, more than 30.000 cards have been sold to the public.