'˜Roll-out of smart ticketing will improve bus and rail journeys in MK'

Millions of bus and rail passengers across the UK will in future be able to pay for their travel using contactless cards and devices.

Smart ticketing offers more convenience and flexibility for passengers, allowing seamless connections across different modes of transport and helping reduce ticket queues and crowding at key transport interchanges.

Mr Stewart who sits on the Transport Select Committee said, “The smart ticketing revolution is helping to build a modern, affordable transport network that provides better journeys for everyone.”

He added: “With MK being a transport hub with companies such as ITSO, Network Rail and the Transport Catapult here in MK I strongly believe we can be a leader in this area.”

As well as the bus operator’s announcement, the rail industry has agreed a tranche of funding and a new framework to explore how contactless payments could be introduced for rail season tickets or long-distance train travel, so MK passengers would no longer have to print out tickets.

Conservative Councillor and Shadow Spokesperson for Transport and Highways Alex Walker said: “I have long thought Milton Keynes could do much more when it comes to smart ticketing.

“This is a positive announcement but with MK as a Smart City the Council should be doing to more in bringing smart ticketing innovation forward.

“This would certainly be something we would be focusing on should we take control of the Council in May.”