MPs have urged the Government to invest in a Midlands-wide ‘tap and cap’ smart ticketing system for public transport, to boost passenger numbers, convenience and safety post-COVID-19.

New research by transport body Midlands Connect, which helped to develop the plans, showed that nine out of ten people surveyed supported the scheme, while 61 per cent of respondents questioned said that having a smart ticketing system in place would make them more likely to use public transport.

Set to cost £20 million, the ‘tap and cap’ system will allow passengers to travel seamlessly across the whole region, paying for journeys on buses, trams and trains via one smart device, mobile phone or credit card.

Smart ticketing initiatives exist in some form, including the Swift scheme in the West Midlands which is the UK’s second biggest public transport payment system after London’s Oyster scheme. However this new platform would be the first to function at a Midlands-wide level, and encompass all public transport operators and modes. In future the initiative could also be rolled out to cover travel via electric bike hire and e-scooter initiatives.

Post COVID-19, new payment models are seen as essential in supporting more flexible work and travel patterns, with season tickets likely to represent poor value for money for many commuters. This new contactless system would also make payments completely touch free. It is hoped this scheme will help to tackle climate change by encouraging more people to use public transport. Nicola Richards, MP for West Bromwich East, said:

“It’s been 17 years since the oyster card was introduced in London; it’s about time the Midlands had a smart ticketing system of its own. With everything else that’s going on, we must not delay efforts to decarbonise the economy.

"We’re in the midst of a climate emergency, and it’s essential we give passengers the tools they need to return post-pandemic to a convenient, cost-effective and safe public transport network, in greater numbers than ever before.

“This scheme represents great value for money, has the backing of local communities, and is an essential step in levelling up. I hope the Chancellor gives us the green light to turn these plans into reality.”

The development of the smart ticketing platform, will be led by Transport for West Midlands with initial delivery being supported by Nottingham City Council. Midlands Connect then will work with other local authorities across the region to integrate more areas into the scheme, which could be operational by 2022 in Nottingham and the West Midlands Combined Authority area, and across the whole Midlands region by 2024.