Merseytravel, the Passenger Transport Executive responsible for the coordination of public transport in Merseyside, will be introducing smartcard technology on its network this year.
The cards, similar to Oyster cards, will be introduced in a bid to make ticketing easier for both passengers and staff. It is also hoped the cards will encourage more people to use public transport.
Merseytravel has been running small-scale trials with staff since last year and believes the scheme is now ready to roll out across the transport network.
The bus network has already begun to install card readers on board, ready for the smartcards to be introduced in October.
Season ticket holders will be the first people to use the cards and will be issued with the smartcards as they renew their tickets.
Merseyrail’s most heavily used stations already have ticket barriers which are smarcard enabled.
Card readers will be installed at other stations and at ferry stops to allow passengers to ‘tap in’ to the system at the start and end of their journeys.
Merseytravel said it was investing a ‘seven-figure’ sum in the technology, after receiving a £2.2m grant from the Government.
