Unicard platform to digitalise SPT ZoneCard ticketing across Scotland

Unicard has announced that its smart ticketing platform has been contracted by Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) to digitalise ZoneCard ticketing on most bus routes in the west of Scotland, as well as ScotRail and the Glasgow Subway.

It means users of ZoneCard tickets will be able to purchase their new tickets via web or mobile app, or from a shop, removing the need for users to buy paper tickets when boarding. The platform also allows for a “tap in” system of travel.

The solution, which is based around ITSO and has been contracted on behalf of the ZoneCard Forum, migrates all paper-based multimodal ZoneCard products onto a digital smart ticketing platform. It comprises a mobility-as-a-service-ready ticketing platform, central back-office with high performance ITSO host operator processing system, and a flexible customer management system that process all smart transactions securely. A customer self-service web portal supports the solution as well as mobile apps on iOS and Android devices. It can be scaled to support different modes of transport and can be configured to support account-based ticketing in line with fare capping and other flexible travel schemes.

Unicard says the solution improves passenger experience as well as removing the complexity of managing paper tickets. The platform is compatible with smartcard ticketing systems used by other local authorities and operators in Scotland, so users with existing transport cards (such as Transport Scotland’s National Entitlement Card, also supplied by Unicard) can add ZoneCard tickets without the need for a new card. This also benefits the environment, cutting down on the need for more plastic cards.

“We’re very pleased to be working closely with SPT to help modernise ticketing across different modes of Glasgow’s public transport,” says Sean Dickinson, CEO of Unicard (pictured). “SPT chose to adopt the ITSO smart ticketing standard to support its ZoneCard service. This is in line with other transport authorities in Scotland and England that are already using our platform to support ITSO based services.

“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 adds: “ZoneCard has been an essential ticket for many customers using bus, rail and Subway over the years. Working together with SPT, the ZoneCard operators are delighted to launch this modernised ZoneCard offer, making full use of smart ticketing technology to provide convenience and flexibility for customers. One ticket on one smartcard to travel on bus, rail and Subway – it couldn’t be easier.”  

Unicard’s solutions have now been adopted by over 80 local and regional authorities in England, Scotland and Wales, including Transport for London, Transport for Wales, Transport for West Midlands, Transport Scotland and Solent Transport.