Passport results are hugely encouraging
In 2010 Newport Transport became the first bus operator in Wales to launch an ITSO-compliant commercial smartcard, says the company.
From conception to launch the PASSPORT smartcard took just five months to implement and the results since then have been hugely encouraging. In an independent survey of 267 customers, 95 per cent of PASSPORT holders said it made using the bus easier and more convenient compared to using either a paper-style pass or paying direct in cash.
Growth in the number of PASSPORT smartcard holders since then has been consistently strong particularly in new bus users. The switch to smartcard technology has supported modal shift in the city and evidently so in groups using the bus to commute to and from work.
The project was, and continues to be, supported by the Welsh Assembly Government through shared use of the systems and equipment installed as part of the concessionary fares smartcard project.
Speaking at the time of the card’s launch, the then Deputy First Minister of Wales Ieuan Wyn Jones said: “This is an important step in the development of an all-Wales transport entitlement card and I am delighted that Newport Transport has made the move to smart cards.
“ITSO enables the Welsh Assembly Government and all of the 22 local authorities to offer a more flexible transport system for our citizens, reducing costs, improving efficiency and offering travellers throughout Wales an improved travel experience."
Scott Pearson, Managing Director of Newport Transport, said: “The efficiency, reliability and flexibility of ITSO technology helped for a seamless transition from our paper-style pass product to the PASSPORT smartcard. It is this smartcard technology, which has visibly helped encourage modal shift and growth amongst new bus users on our services.”
14 July 2011
