RAIL TRAVELLERS ARE being told that they will soon be able to avoid queues by using their new ‘Smartcard’ – and save money on tickets at the same time.
The ScotRail Alliance will be converting its most popular tickets to Smart technology throughout this summer – allowing customers to load products onto the card in advance of travel.
Expanding on the system that was first introduced last year, the so-called ‘Summer of Smart’ will, ScotRail say, result in 70% of all tickets being available as Smart products.
In particular, Flexipass tickets offering 10 journeys that can be taken flexibly over the period of one month from first date of travel will be introduced on Smart to almost 1400 journey options.
Stations in Moray have been or will be upgraded to ensure they are ready for the new technology, which for the first time this summer will see singles/returns and off-peak tickets included.
To encourage customers to convert to using a Smartcard, a benefits package – offered in partnership with key high street brands – where season ticket users can get a bit more value for money from their Smartcard tickets is also now in place.
ScotRail add that they are also working with other public transport operators to deliver combined tickets for bus and ferry travel. It’s expected that the first of these will be available this summer.
ScotRail Alliance Commercial Director Cathy Craig said: “We’ve been working hard behind the scenes over the past few months to get Scotland ready for the rollout of our queue-busting Smart tickets. Every route and every station in Scotland has been upgraded so we are ready now to start switching our most popular tickets to Smart.
“Switching to Smart means no more standing in queues to purchase tickets. Customers can buy at home and then just tap through the gates. This takes some of the hassle out of travelling and will make it easier and faster for people to get about Scotland.
“Alongside the introduction of our brand new faster, longer, greener trains – and the arrival of our fleet of fully refurbished inter-city trains, Smart ticketing is helping transform rail travel. We are delivering more seats, shorter journeys and hassle free travel through upgraded stations. This is what our customers want.”
For further information contact ScotRail Alliance Comms on 0141 555 4105/4247 or email on communications@scotrail.co.uk.