New technology in public transport
Information technology plays an increasing role in the delivery of public transport. Examples include:
- websites – providing information on public transport services, fares and times
- journey-planning software that helps users to plan complex journeys
- access to timetables through SMS (text messaging)
- real-time systems - accurately tracking and predicting arrival times at stops, terminals and stations
- timetable and route planning software
- smartcard based integrated bus and rail ticketing
- integrated fares.
How we’re planning for technology investment
Investment in information technology is often costly. We’ve established a specialist public transport technology group to co-ordinate effort, share best practice, ensure best value decisions and help local authorities make decisions on public transport technology.
The group will also lead our strategic investments in public transport technology. This will involve encouraging the research, measurement and understanding of the value of technology in delivering public transport services that enhance the user experience at reasonable cost.
A current key priority for us is the development of a national approach to integrated ticketing and fares.
Smartcards – integrated ticketing
Smartcard integrated ticketing uses credit card-sized cards containing a microchip that can be loaded with value and other information. The cards make public transport travel easier for passengers by reducing boarding time and increasing convenience when using more than one transport mode, for example bus and rail. Actual trip information collected as travellers use the cards is also invaluable in network planning.
Integrated Fares
Integrated fares are often associated with smartcard integrated ticketing. They allow travellers to get the best available fare based on the total journey they undertake, rather than the fare for each individual service, depending on the local fare policy.
Overseas experience show integrated ticketing and fares systems increase the use of public transport networks.
