Timetables and Ticketing

HC Deb 19 November 2002 vol 394 c77W

28. Helen Jackson

To ask the Secretary of State what progress he is making on integrating timetables and ticketing of public transport. [81350]

Mr. Jamieson

We are making good progress in this area. My Department assisted with the establishment of traveline and continues to provide support for this service. Traveline provides integrated, multi-modal public transport route and timetable information through a single national telephone number.

Transport Direct will build on the success of traveline. 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; the first version will be up and running by the end of 2003 as stated in our objectives in the 10-year plan.

We have also been working with other organisations to encourage integrated ticketing. One of these products is the PlusBus scheme which allows integration of zonal bus tickets on to national rail tickets. Sheffield is among the initial 35 stations where PlusBus will be available.