§ John ThursoTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what progress is being made with the introduction of smartcard technology; what action he is taking to ensure national compatibility of smartcards; what support he is giving to the introduction of smartcard technology; and if he will make a statement. [185733]
§ Mr. McNultyThe Department published national interoperability specifications for smartcard ticketing in March this year (ISBN 0—9548042). The specifications enable a single bus or train ticket to be loaded at one location, used for travel across a network, and then used674W again at the new location. We are working with LAs and industry to set up the associated delivery framework that will provide the management, security and accreditation services to ensure ticketing schemes work seamlessly together.
We are supporting a number of projects to help existing schemes be compliant with the national specifications. The London Oyster Card is one example. Others are the conversion of existing schemes in Cheshire, Nottinghamshire and Southampton and a new rural scheme in Cumbria and Lancashire (known as No Wcard). The Department has also given provisional approval to the West and South Yorkshire major transport scheme Yorcard.
The Department is also working closely with ODPM and the Department for Education and Skills to ensure wider compatibility of smartcards, for example using the same card for school attendance, library access and travel.