§ Mrs. Curtis-ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what progress he is making on the integration of public transport(a) timetables and (b) ticketing. [129455]
§ Mr. McNultyMy Department continues to support the traveline service, which offers integrated, multi-modal public transport route and timetable information through a single national telephone number. The service is now also available on the internet.
The Transport Direct service will launch in early 2004. It will provide route, timetable and fare information for all modes of public and private transport and provide for the purchase of tickets. Transport Direct will initially be provided through an internet portal and, ultimately, it is hoped that access will also be possible via digital TV, mobile and WAP phones, other handheld devices and high street kiosks.
Work is also continuing to encourage the PlusBus ticketing scheme that allows the addition of bus validity to national rail tickets. There are currently 102 stations participating in the PlusBus scheme, with a further 33 expected by the end of September 2003. A significant number of additions are expected next year.