Smart moves lead to higher patronage

29 October 2009

The introduction of integrated and smart ticketing can increase patronage by up to 40%, according to a new report commissioned by pteg.

The publication of the report coincides with the close of the consultation on the Department for Transport (DFT)’s draft integrated ticketing strategy, which has been welcomed by pteg, the organisation representing passenger transport executives.

Such ticketing systems have resulted in patronage growth in the range of 6% to 20%, with some modes experiencing growth in the region of 40%, such as bus use in New York City.

In London, an estimated one-third of the increased use of public transport since 1999/00 can be attributed to Oyster and other ticketing simplifications, while in Zurich, patronage increased by up to 12% in the two years following the introduction of zonal and integrated ticketing.

The report concluded there was limited evidence to support increased revenues, which ranged from 1% to 12%.

Chair of pteg, Neil Scales, said: ‘We believe that simple, integrated and smart ticketing brings a host of benefits for public transport users.

‘Now that London’s ticketing has gone smart, moving on to the next tier of major cities is a logical step towards the ultimate goal of national smart ticketing.’

However, pteg has called for a clearer plan from the DfT for working with UK cities to roll out smart cards in a cost-effective, comprehensive and timely way. ‘We fear that a cautious “build it and they will come” approach from the DfT will not be enough to fully realise the enormous potential smartcards have to offer,’ said Mr Scales.

In its response to the consultation, pteg also says bus subsidy operating grant (BSOG) financial incentives should be routed to the PTEs – which it says are in the best position to ensure grants are targeted in the most cost-effective and locally-relevant way – in order to get smartcard schemes in place as quickly as possible.

The benefits of simplified and integrated ticketing in public transport

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