This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Scotland's buses get smarter
06/11/2006
A pilot of new high-tech equipment for Scotland's bus fleet was launched in Shetland today.
The new ticketing machines on mainline buses will require cardholders to place their smartcards on a machine reader instead of the previous 'show and go' process.
Once trialled in Shetland the technology will roll out across Scotland, with the aim of paving the way for a system of having just one smartcard usable on all forms of transport.
The introduction of the new technology will be a world first - the first scheme of its kind to be introduced into an entire country rather than a city. The only similar schemes in scale are in cities such as Hong Kong and London.
Transport Minister Tavish Scott said:
"This devolved government is committed to improving public transport across Scotland. We want more frequent and reliable public transport services, equipped with the very latest in technology.
"Last week, I launched WiFi internet technology on our trains, and this week, I am pleased to see the pilot of new high tech equipment on our buses.
"This technology will improve efficiency and tackle potential fraud. The smartcard systems being tested on Shetland have the potential to cut costs, and in the future we hope to see passengers using just one card to access all forms of public transport. That is great news for people across the country."
Councillor Jim Irvine, Chairman of the Shetland Transport Partnership said:
"Once again this re-affirms Shetland's ability to be at the forefront of transport developments and technology, meeting National initiatives and ensuring accessible and affordable local transport services are provided."
The equipment is initially for use with the older and disabled person's concessionary travel scheme but in the future will also be used for the younger person's concessionary fares scheme.
Alongside the trial of electronic ticket machines on buses, Shetland will also be carrying out a live proving trial of new back office technology which will enable concessionary data to be transferred via a bus operators back office to Transport Scotland.
Shetland was chosen because it is a self contained area ideal to test the technology and systems, before it is rolled out to larger areas of the country. Shetland Islands Council's chosen ETM supplier, ERG, was also the first of the four ETM suppliers ready to start testing in a live environment.