Transport groups in Scotland are calling for government intervention to set plans in motion to introduce smart card technology for use on public transport systems.
This smart card technology, known as the Oyster Card in London, was introduced in capital back in 2003. Since its launch, 43 million users have registered for an Oyster Card, with 8 million travellers using their card on the London bus, rail and tube network daily. Research has shown that Oyster Cards are used on 80% of all public transport journeys in London.
Transport campaigners in Scotland believe that the introduction of a similar ticketing scheme to public transport systems in cities in Scotland will help encourage commuters and travellers to get out of their cars, and onto buses and trains. By enticing people off the roads and onto public transport, campaigners believe there would be less congestion on the roads, and also reduced levels of pollution.
The flexibility of being able to get on and off different modes of public transport will be a good incentive for commuters to give bus and rail travel a go. The smart ticketing system allows registered users to top up their credit on their smart card either online with their credit or debit card, or at paying machines at stations.
Campaigners believe the Scottish government needs to get involved in order to gather all of the related organisations together to discuss the issue, and help push forward with plans for smartcard technology on Scotland’s public transport system.
A female bus passenger was injured after yobs dropped a paving stone onto the roof of a passing Lothian bus in Scotland this week.
