Midlands MPs have urged the UK government to invest in an Oyster card-style smart ticketing system for the region to boost passenger numbers, convenience and safety post-Covid.
A tap-and-cap smart ticketing system for public transport has garnered local support in the area, according to research by transport body Midlands Connect. From 10,000 people surveyed, 9 in 10 said they supported the scheme.
Furthermore, 61% of respondents said that having a smart ticketing system in place would make them more likely to use public transport.
Although smart ticketing initiatives exist in some form in Nottingham, via the Robin Hood travel card, and in parts of the West Midlands via Swift, this new platform would be the first to function at a Midlands-wide level.
Additionally, it would encompass all public transport operators and modes. In future, the initiative could also be rolled out to cover travel via e-bike hire and e-scooter programmes.
Nicola Richards, MP for West Bromwich East, said: “It’s been 17 years since the Oyster card was introduced in London; it’s about time the Midlands had a smart ticketing system of its own.”
The development of the smart ticketing platform would be led by Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) with initial delivery being led by TfWM and Nottingham City Council.
Midlands Connect said it would work with other local authorities across the region to integrate more areas into the scheme, which could be operational by 2022 in Nottingham and the West Midlands Combined Authority area, and across the whole Midlands region by 2024.
Set to cost £20m, the tap-and-cap system will allow passengers to travel across the whole region, paying for journeys on buses, trams and trains via one smart device, mobile phone or credit card.
Richards added: “This scheme represents great value for money, has the backing of local communities, and is an essential step in levelling up. I hope the chancellor gives us the green light to turn these plans into reality.”
