Smart payment solution provider Unicard has announced that its Host Operator or Processing System (HOPS) has been selected by Transport Scotland to manage its concessionary travel scheme for bus ticketing.
Unicard’s HOPS is a transport data management system that supports all ITSO-accredited smart ticketing schemes. It is a fully automated, scalable, and secure solution, capable of handling high volumes of ITSO messaging and data transactions.
Transport Scotland will be able to monitor live reporting data, track concessionary fares and manage smart reimbursements with transport operators through HOPS.
Furthermore, HOPS can be configured to support the Scottish government’s plan to introduce a national concessionary bus travel scheme for under 19s and disabled children under the age of five with free transport for their companion.
It can also be configured to support commercial ticketing for other modes of public transport across Scotland.
Debbie Walker, business and operations manager, Transport Scotland, said: “The Unicard platform will help us to ensure that concessionary ticketing services are provided to the highest standard and with continuity, allowing us to use the data produced by the platform to monitor journeys and passenger numbers.
“This deployment reflects our ongoing investment in digital services to deliver a sustainable transport network that allows all journeys in Scotland to made using smart ticketing or payment.”
Unicard’s solution has already been adopted by some 60 local and regional authorities in England. This latest agreement marks the company’s first major deployment in Scotland as it continues to expand its footprint across the UK.
Sean Dickinson, CEO of Unicard, said: “We’re extremely pleased to be working with Transport Scotland.
“The Unicard HOPS is a comprehensive back office system that supports smart ticketing and payment services. It will play an integral role in supporting concessionary travel across Scotland.
“Our fully integrated and hosted solutions enable local authorities to incorporate bikes, e-scooters and electric vehicles to their existing bus and rail travel schemes.”
