2016-01-12 Roll-out of smart ticketing will improve bus, rail and tram journeys for millions (Department for Transport)

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date 12 January 2016
source UK Cards Association
type Press release

Passengers across the UK could in future be able to pay for their travel using contactless cards and devices, under a new framework which will be unveiled today.

The framework enables transport operators across the country to implement contactless payments on local pay-as-you-go journeys and provides a consistent experience for travellers. It will be unveiled today (TUESDAY JANUARY 12, 2016) at a parliamentary reception hosted by The UK Cards Association, which represents the card payments industry.

A further tranche of funding has now been provided by the rail operators for a joint project between the card and rail industry exploring how contactless cards and devices could be associated with long-distance train tickets or season tickets, so passengers no longer have to print out tickets.

The UK Cards Association worked with the transport industry to develop the new framework which sets out how contactless cards can be used to pay for pay-as-you-go journeys. This includes single trips, such as a bus journey, or combined travel on more than one type of transport, similar to the system in London.

Speakers at the reception include Andrew Jones MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Transport, David Brown, Chief Executive of Go-Ahead and Robert Montgomery, Managing Director of Stagecoach UK Bus.

Melanie Johnson, Chair of The UK Cards Association, said:

“Payment cards play a key role in our lives and we believe this work contributes to making public transport more convenient for millions of passengers.

“Our collaborative project with the transport industry aims to transform the way customers pay for their travel and supports the Government’s objectives.

“This framework sets out how contactless payments can be used to support any journey, whether a single bus ride or a cross-country trip.

“It is pleasing so many people from different organisations and industries are joining us today to mark the collaborative achievement. We are excited we have been asked by the transit industry to continue the project to help them understand how payment cards can be used for advance purchases and season tickets.”

Transport Minister Andrew Jones said:

“The smart ticketing revolution is helping to build a modern, affordable transport network that provides better journeys for everyone. By working together, industry, city regions and government have been able to ensure more and more people can use smart ticketing to get around. We are determined to continue driving progress so passengers get the quick and simple journeys that they want and deserve.”

ENDS

For further information contact the press office on 020 3217 8436 or Press@ukcards-ffauk.org.uk

Notes to editors:

1. The framework unveiled today includes three contactless transit models. The first two models have been developed in detail. The third model is being explored this year. The models are:

o Single Pay As You Go: a cash replacement model where a contactless card or device is used at the start of the journey with a known fare; primarily for buses and trams
o Aggregated Pay As You Go: a cash replacement model where a contactless card or device is used multiple times, and the fare is aggregated at the end of the day or journey leg; for multi-mode operators
o Pre-Purchase: a paper ticket replacement model where a contactless card or device is associated with the ticket in advance and then used as a form of identity to travel.

About The UK Cards Association

The UK Cards Association is the trade body for the card payments industry in the UK, representing financial institutions which act as card issuers and acquirers. Members of the Association account for the vast majority of debit and credit cards issued in the UK - issuing in excess of 56 million credit cards and 95 million debit cards - and cover the whole of the payment card acquiring market.

The Association promotes co-operation between industry participants in order to progress non-competitive matters of mutual interest; informs and engages with stakeholders to shape legal and regulatory developments; develops industry best practice; safeguards the integrity of the card payments industry by tackling card fraud; develops industry standards; and co-ordinates other industry-wide initiatives such as those aiming to deliver innovation. As an Association we are committed to delivering a card payments industry that is constantly focused on improved outcomes for the customer. www.theukcardsassociation.org.uk

Ruth Pott-Negrine
Senior press officer
T: +44 (0) 20 3217 8238
M: +44(0) 7436 790163
E: ruth.pott-negrine@ukcards-ffauk.org.uk

Railhub Archive ::: 2016-01-12 UKC-001