TfN to roll out rail smart cards across the North

Highlights from Smarter Travel LIVE!

Transport for the North (TfN) is on course to deliver a smart card for rail solution across the region by December 2018, said Alastair Richards, Programme Director, Smart and Integrated Travel, TfN, speaking at Smarter Travel LIVE! 2018 last week. This is part of a nationwide programme to roll out smart ticketing for all rail travel in the country, he added. Phase 2, from 2019, will focus on customer information, collaboration and innovation, including enhanced information on bus fares, planned disruption messaging, an open data hub, and a supported Knowledge Network with templates and tools to help operators introduce smart ticketing. Phase 3, from 2020, will deliver an account-based system using contactless payments. This is the most ambitious part of the programme. It will bring a London-style experience to the North, with a ‘Fair Price Promise’ capped daily or weekly on multi-modal journeys, and the ability to make contactless payments using a mobile app or bank card. The geographic evolution of account-based travel will take in major conurbations first, followed by minor conurbations and then towns. Full coverage, including rollout to rural areas, will be complete by 2022.