Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) has moved its multi-modal ZoneCard to a digital smartcard platform compatible with ticketing systems used by other local authorities and transport operators in Scotland.
The SPT Zonecard allows users unlimited travel on ScotRail, the Glasgow Subway, and most bus routes in the west of Scotland, as a season ticket, including daily and flexible options.
The Glasgow Subway at Buchanan Street
Zonecard products have been migrated to a system provided by smart ticketing and payment solutions firm Unicard Ltd, based on the widely-used ITSO standard.
Users can now purchase a new ZoneCard ticket via a website or dedicated mobile app or purchase a ZoneCard ticket from a shop, providing ‘tap-in’ travel.
Unicard said that because its platform is compatible with ticketing systems used by other operators, users with an existing transport card such as Transport Scotland’s National Entitlement Card – also provided by Unicard – can add ZoneCard tickets to it without needing to purchase or carry a new card.
The platform comprises its mobility-as-a-service (MaaS)-ready ticketing platform, a central back-office solution encompassing a high performance ITSO HOPS (Host Operator Processing System) and flexible customer management system, which securely processes all smart transactions.
Unicard CEO Sean Dickinson said: ‘A key benefit and differentiator of our platform is that it is token-agnostic, and therefore supports other technologies. This means that, while ITSO may be the best solution for now, the platform is future proofed.
‘With these new capabilities SPT can accommodate other token types and services like QR codes, contactless bank cards, or account-based ticketing whenever they choose.’
ZoneCard Forum Chair Ryan Sorley said: ‘ZoneCard has been an essential ticket for many customers using bus, rail and Subway over the years. One ticket on one smartcard to travel on bus, rail and Subway – it couldn’t be easier.’