Scottish Labour promises single 'smart ticket' for transport system

Scottish Labour has unveiled plans to introduce a single smart ticket which can be used on all modes of transport if the party is elected in May.

The compulsory system would be implemented in the first year of a Labour government at Holyrood as part of a transport bill while payment by contactless credit or debit cards would be introduced by the end of the next parliament, the party said.

Labour has also vowed to revive attempts to usher in regulation of bus services that would allow transport authorities the power to set service levels and group profitable routes with non-profitable routes.

Iain Gray’s private member’s bill had to be abandoned last year due to a lack of time in the parliamentary calendar, with the Scottish Government unwilling to take it forward.

The twin announcement comes a day after Transform Scotland called for the introduction of a Scotland-wide smartcard – akin to London’s Oyster card – that would be “usable by all modes of public transport”.

Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale said: “We need a transport system that works for commuters, not transport bosses. Right now, the Scottish transport system is a patchwork of services and many areas are left behind with no decent provision.

“That’s why we will legislate for an integrated transport system with regulated bus services and one smart ticket that can take you across Scotland.

“People should be able to travel the length and breadth of our country with one card in their pocket. In 2012, we were told this wasn’t far off, but in 2016 we’re still waiting.

“London has had a single smartcard for thirteen years and have recently started taking payments using contactless credit and debit cards. The technology exists – all we need is the political will to deliver it.”