SPT’s Subway has joined a host of public transport operators and Transport Scotland to ensure that any Smartcard from any of the operators now works across multiple modes of transport.

This joint project makes it easier for people using smart ticketing on public transport.  It also aims to reduce the number of plastic smartcards produced for smart ticketing travel.

SPT Chair, Councillor Dr Martin Bartos, welcomed the development saying:

“Subway customers have been enjoying the benefits of Smartcard ticketing since 2013 and it is hugely encouraging to see that technology now being used to deliver even wider benefits for passengers travelling with all transport operators.

“SPT is delighted to back this important first step in ensuring a more integrated transport approach offering passengers smarter and more user-friendly travel options.”

The new Smartcard initiative was launched at Partick Interchange by the Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity Michael Matheson with some of the transport operators supporting the project also in attendance.

Mr Matheson said:

“Our ambition has always been to see that some form of smart ticketing or payment can be used for all journeys across our public transport network. The interoperability improvement project is a fantastic step forward to achieving our vision for smart ticketing across Scotland.

“To tackle the climate emergency, improve our air quality and to benefit our health and wellbeing, we need to see less single-occupancy car trips and more sustainable journeys being made by walking, cycling and shared or public transport.

“By making ticketing for public transport simpler, we make it easier for passengers to use multiple-modes of travel with one smartcard instead of two or three. I’m confident this new convenience will be welcomed by customers right across Scotland.”

Other operators supporting the smarter Smartcard initiative include ScotRail, Stagecoach, McGill’s, and Glasgow Tripper as well as Grasshopper in Aberdeen, ABC in Dundee/Fife, and Xplore Dundee.

People who hold any of these Smartcards using ITSO technology can now seamlessly load Subway PAYG credit or Subway season tickets up to 28 days. Similarly customers who already have a Subway Smartcard can use it to store other tickets such as rail season tickets.

A new website www.smarttravel.scot has also being launched with information about Scotland’s smart ticketing, mobile ticket apps and contactless payment options. The website will provide a how to guide for smart services in passengers’ area as well as links to operators, travel planning services and a guide for available smartcards.