Government proposes national smart ticketing strategy

London's Oyster stystem has been a success

The government is consulting on proposals that could see an Oyster-style smart ticketing system introduced nationwide.

The government estimates that a national system that works in a similar manner to London's popular travel smartcard could save as much as £2.6bn per year through improved journey times and faster, more convenient purchasing and issue of tickets.

The proposals could also see mobile phones being used as tickets with pre-pay credit loaded onto them, and cards and systems that would allow instant contactless payment from bank cards.

Transport minister Sadiq Khan said making it easier to use public transport was a key aim of the proposals.

"We know that passengers want quicker journeys and better reliability, and smart ticketing will help us do that," he said.

"We could see the end to waiting in line at ticket machines, while buses could spend half the amount of time sitting at the bus stop waiting for people to board and looking for the right change. In some cases, direct payments may even do away with the need for a ticket at all."

Smart tickets are harder to replicate and can be electronically "killed" the moment they are reported lost or stolen with any remaining balance refunded.

The government envisions operators being able to run their own loyalty schemes and offer ticket types to suit individual customers' needs.

It also hopes to allow products such as library membership, leisure centre entry, benefit entitlement, parking, bike and car hire, and lift share arrangements to be paid for by smart tickets.

Jonathan Bray, director of the Passenger Transport Executive Group Support Unit welcomed the government's ambition.

"We fully share the government's ambition to see smart ticketing introduced across Britain's largest urban areas as soon as possible. The Oyster card has become intrinsic to London life - passengers have a right to expect a similar deal in the next tier of major urban areas," he said.

"We look forward to continuing to work with government on the reform of bus subsidies that's currently underway to help make this happen."

The consultation closes on Friday 23 October. Responses will feed into a full strategy to be published later this year.