Smart ticketing ‘key to northern boom’

NEW investment in smart ticketing could have a “transformational impact” on transport across the North of England, according to an expert adviser.

But Mr Marsh said that the funding – part of cities’ devolution deals in some cases – would only be of benefit for the entire North if cities’ schemes are designed now with future integration in mind.

The EY Smart Transport director, who has helped to plan and deliver smart ticketing projects in Manchester and Birmingham, says such schemes have the potential to make individual cities’ transport networks simpler and more accessible.

They would also increase the number and length of journeys made by individuals and boost efficiency and revenues for operators, he argues.

Manchester and Sheffield’s devolution deals, which were agreed in 2014, include the opportunity to introduce smart ticketing systems and similar schemes could be introduced as more cities agree new devolved powers.

But to be “truly transformational” for the wider North as well as individual city regions, smart ticketing schemes should be integrated with those of neighbouring cities, said Mr Marsh.

“If we really want to create a ‘Northern Powerhouse’ where cities and regions use their combined strength to increase economic competitiveness, it’s crucial that its transport network is integrated,” he said.

“The Transport for the North organisation and the leaders behind the One North report are making great strides in this area.

“The long-term vision for northern cities should be to connect existing smart ticketing schemes to create a single scheme for the entire North, which could make it easier for people to travel seamlessly between and within its cities.”

As well as having the right technology in place, Mr Marsh also believes that a unified northern ticketing scheme would require city leaders to secure the buy-in of all the major transport operators in the North of England.

“London saw a significant increase in distances travelled on public transport between 2000 and 2010, which was partly induced by the introduction of the Oyster card in 2003,” he said.

“Equally, the rapid take up of contactless Europay, MasterCard and Visa (EMV) systems on bus and now underground rail networks shows that customers want a single, consistent experience across all modes of transport and boundaries.”