Merseytravel Smart Ticketing Initiative
As part of our continued efforts to improve services, Merseytravel is embracing the Government's national policy to introduce smart ticketing across the UK on all forms of public transport. Over the next two years, Merseytravel's Smart Ticketing Initiative will begin the implementation of smart ticketing to improve the customer experience by delivering a range of new ticketing products across the Merseyside Region.
Merseytravel's ethos of 'putting the Passenger First' will ensure we offer a range of ticketing solutions which suit the needs of existing and new passengers.
In summary, the key benefits of Merseytravel's Smart Ticketing Initiative are:
- Giving the passenger more choice
- Allowing seamless travel across the UK for concessions
- Help us to reduce fraud & improve the confidence of our customers in the public transport network.
- Integration with other non transport applications such as tourism and citizen services.
Phase One of the initiative started in September 2010 when card readers were installed on some bus services. Anyone with an English National Concessionary Travel Pass (or a local 60 + pass issued by Merseytravel), now places their pass onto the card reader on the ticket machine next to the driver, rather than show it to the driver.
More card readers are being installed on buses regularly (see the frequently asked questions for the schedule over the next few months).
Phase Two starts in Summer 2011 on the Merseyrail network andstations with automatic gates will have card readers installed on them. This means that if you have an English National Concessionary Travel Pass or a local 60+pass issued by Merseytravel (they have a Merseytravel logo on them) you will have to place it onto the card reader to open the gate, the light will flash green and the gate will open. You will no longer show it to the Merseyrail member of staff.
If the station does not have automatic gates installed you will still show your pass to the member of staff.
- Call in at any Merseytravel Centre or leave your name and address on the Brochure Hotline 0151 330 1066, for a copy of an information booklet and an application form.
