Scottish smartcard travel system on track

First operational elements of the new system have been rolled out ahead of schedule

The first elements of a new Oyster-style smart ticketing service have been installed ahead of schedule for Glasgow and the West of Scotland's smart travel scheme.

The scheme will enable passangers on buses, ferries, trains and Glasgow's Subway system to use the same smartcard or smartphone to pay for their journeys.

The system is operated by smart media company Ecebs, and will be run from its new datacentre in East Kilbride.

Ecebs claims the system could be implemented across the UK, as it is accredited by the government's technical standards body ITSO.

Services such as the delivery of travel and events tickets to mobile phones, the provision of credit card-style payment, and council services such as travel passes to schools could be added in future.

Ecebs states that the system will be fully operational before the 2014 Commonwealth Games, which are to be held in Glasgow.