02.03.16
Smart ticketing to be on all ScotRail routes by end of summer
Smart ticketing will be available on all 24 ScotRail routes later this year following a ‘Summer of Smart’ campaign.
Derek Mackay MSP, Scottish transport minister, and ScotRail Alliance commercial director Cathy Craig launched the campaign, which will include contacting season ticket holders to convince them to use the new Smartcards, at Glasgow Central station.
Rail customers buying season tickets on Smartcard are eligible for benefits including one-third off standard off-peak single and return tickets for up to three adults travelling with any Smart season ticket holder, and a £5 first class upgrade on off-peak travel for three adults joining any Smart season ticket holders travelling on their usual route.
Craig said: “Smart ticketing promises to revolutionise travel in Scotland. Our customers tell us that one of the biggest hassles they face when travelling is having to queue up for a ticket either before or after they get on the train. With Smart ticketing, the days of standing in queues are coming to an end.
“By the end of the Summer, season ticket holders the length and breadth of Scotland will be able to buy their season tickets at home or at one of our at-station ticket machines, load them up onto their Smartcard and then just tap and go. Once people move to Smart they will have access to best-value fares and will enjoy smoother journeys with less need to queue.
“The technology that sits behind our Smartcards is the same as that being used by many other transport operators. We are absolutely committed to working with these other operators to find a way to make sure that Smartcards work right across Scotland’s transport network, making travelling in Scotland a seamless, hassle free experience.”
ScotRail’s ultimate goal is to have 60% of journeys made using Smartcards by 2019.
Passenger Focus researcher Louise Hall has written in RTM about the many benefits of smart ticketing, including not requiring interaction with staff, reducing queues and discounts.
Rail minister Claire Perry MP has said that British railways are “at the tipping point of improvement” where every future franchise bid must include plans to offer smart ticketing.
(Image c. Danny Lawson via PA Images)