Integrated Ticketing
Case Study – Merseyside Travelwise
Across Merseyside there is a comprehensive network of frequent buses, trains and ferries. This regional network links national rail and coach services, ferry terminals and the international airports of Liverpool and Manchester.
Prepaid ticketing makes travelling on public transport cheaper and much more convenient for either simply travelling to and from work, or for more complex multi-purpose journeys.
Travel passes that enable weekend travel and travel on other bus routes are a considerable perk, which can encourage people to use public transport, and also a financial incentive for companies to include in their recruitment packages.
The main forms of ticket on offer are –
SOLO (for bus use only)
TRIO (for bus, train and ferry)
STUDENT (discounted for term-times only)
Integrated Ticketing in the Northwest
The “Northern Connect Card” is mentioned in Moving Forward: The Northern Way (September 2004) as one integrated travel card. Regional Development Agencies and local transport authorities are expected to approve specifications for the card by late 2005.
Such “smartcards” offer the prospect of simpler travel across complex journeys where more than one mode of transport is used. The ability to prepay (like most seasonal passes, and London’s “Oyster Card”) or be linked to a single, monthly travel bill could overcome one of the main barriers to many people shifting their journey modes to that of integrated public transport.
Lancashire is working in partnership with other Northwest Unitary and District Councils to introduce smartcard technology throught the “NoWcard” project.
180,000 concessionary cards have been issued, and installation of 1,700 card readers on buses is underway, allowing a record of journeys to be analysed for travel demand patterns.
TSLM would like to see –
- The system expanded beyond concessionary users to all travellers
- Card readers installed on trains, trams and trolleybuses
- Inclusion of car clubs and cycle hire etc within the scheme