Project Summary

South West Smart Applications is looking to create a national digital standard for intermodal and interoperable barcode ticketing for travel. The new standard would allow passengers to use a single barcode for journeys, making public transport more attractive; increasing its use and reducing carbon emissions. The standard will not require hardware to be replaced, and promises to reduce operators’ costs enabling enhanced competition between equipment suppliers.

Project Achievements

The creation and testing of a Single Multi-Operator, Multi-Modal Barcode Standard for UK Passenger Transport Ticketing.

Conclusions

The single Multi-Operator Multi-Modal Barcode works for all Bus / Tram / Ferry / Underground core ticket types, and Rail for most add on ticket types. It was tested on 3 of the UK’s main Electronic Ticket Machines Suppliers equipment as well as UK rail Gates in England and Scotland.

Next Steps

The National Steering Group created to oversee the Project will continue, with plans being devised to seek funding to enable Suppliers to develop their back end Systems to be able to read and process the Barcode messages, so a live customer trial can take place.