1 October 2012
Welcome for 'Saltire Card'
Important first step in delivering national integrated, multi-modal public transport smartcard
Transform Scotland has today (Monday 1st) today welcomed Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon's announcement of the first phase in delivering a national public transport smartcard. [1] [2]
Calum McCallum, Transform Scotland's public transport campaigner said:
"A smartcard would remove a key barrier to using public transport. With the completion of the national concessionary travel system, a lot of Scots are now familiar with smartcards, and many of us have used London's Oystercard. The Saltire Card can bring the benefits of cashless travel to Scottish public transport users. Scots will now have the opportunity to travel across all of Scotland on one card.
"Commencing with a pre-paid ticket is a reasonable first step. However, we'll be keen to see the Saltire Card expand to incorporate season tickets. And a key first step will be a day-ticket for all public transport in Glasgow in time for the Commonwealth Games."
Colin Howden, Director of Transform Scotland said:
"It is hopeful that the Deputy First Minister has chosen to use her first major statement in her new transport portfolio to move forward this important sustainable transport initiative. Nicola Sturgeon's announcement appears to be very much along the lines of what we've been calling for. After a long period in which there has been no progress on this front, it is very welcome that she has taken action here." [3]
ENDS
Notes to Editors
[1] Transform Scotland is the national sustainable transport alliance, bringing together rail, bus and shipping operators, local authorities, national environment and conservation groups, businesses and local transport groups. See <http://www.transformscotland.org.uk/our-members.aspx> for details.
[2] Transport Scotland news release is available at <http://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/news/SG-Travel-Smart-Card>.
[3] Transform Scotland has been calling for a national public transport smartcard for some time: see <http://www.transformscotland.org.uk/smartcard.aspx> for details & further briefing materials. Our views are summarised in the briefing 'All of Scotland on One Card' <http://www.transformscotland.org.uk/GetFile.aspx?ItemId=472>.
END OF NEWS RELEASE