I have had quite a number of West End constituents ask about what improvements are planned to bus ticketing - for example, making purchasing bus passes easier and more flexible, in the way the Oyster Card facility in London operates.I contacted Lawrence Davie, Managing Director of National Express Dundee, about this and he has given me a helpful update :
"Following on from the successful introduction of the new electronic ticketing machines which now accept the smart concession cards NX DUNDEE is looking at introducing smartcard technology to replace its current season cards and multiple journey products.
Managing Director Lawrence Davie said that they had wanted to do this two years ago but had been delayed by problems with the technology for the concession cards. It is now hoped that smart cards will be rolled out later this year and be in use across Dundee within the next twelve months replacing all the other cards currently issued by the customer.
When this happens it will be possible to top up cards online and at points across the city. There will be many other benefits for the public.
The new cards are planned to operate in a similar way to London Oyster card.
The Company is hoping to be able to make a formal announcement with a timetable for introduction by the summer."
Managing Director Lawrence Davie said that they had wanted to do this two years ago but had been delayed by problems with the technology for the concession cards. It is now hoped that smart cards will be rolled out later this year and be in use across Dundee within the next twelve months replacing all the other cards currently issued by the customer.
When this happens it will be possible to top up cards online and at points across the city. There will be many other benefits for the public.
The new cards are planned to operate in a similar way to London Oyster card.
The Company is hoping to be able to make a formal announcement with a timetable for introduction by the summer."
I have fed back this to constituents who have raised the matter, and I am pleased to see progress in this by National Express Dundee. Making it easy to purchase bus travel can only help increase public transport usage in the city, so it is to be warmly welcomed.