The government has announced a new transport strategy aimed at improving connectivity across rail, tram, and bus networks, with a strong emphasis on digital integration and ticketing reform.
Central to the plan is the expansion of contactless “tap-and-go” payment systems across more regions in England. Building on models already in place in London and several metropolitan areas, the government intends to create a more unified payment experience, allowing passengers to use bank cards or mobile devices to seamlessly travel across different modes of transport without needing separate tickets. The goal is to simplify journeys and reduce friction when switching between services operated by different providers.
The strategy also highlights the development of a more consistent digital infrastructure underpinning public transport. This includes efforts to standardise fare structures and introduce daily and weekly fare caps across multiple operators, enabled by integrated digital ticketing systems. The aim is to ensure passengers are charged the best available fare automatically, without needing to plan or purchase complex tickets in advance.
Another key element is the improvement of real-time travel information, including a new partnership with Google, that will allow passengers across England to track their buses in real time through Google Maps.
The strategy also features enhanced data-sharing between transport operators, allowing passengers to access more accurate and up-to-date information on routes, delays, and connections through apps and digital platforms. It also points to the role of open data in encouraging innovation. By making transport data more widely available, the government aims to enable third-party developers to build new apps and services that improve the passenger experience. This could include tools for route optimisation, accessibility support, and personalised travel updates.
In addition, the plan includes investment in digital back-office systems to support transport authorities and operators. These systems are intended to improve coordination, streamline operations, and provide better insights into passenger demand and travel patterns.
The government is also launching a £40 million fund for local authorities to trial digital technologies to improve transport, reduce congestion and ease disruption.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, said: “For too long, getting from A to B has been more complicated than it needs to be. People want journeys to be easy and reliable. They want to be able to get off a train and straight on to a bus without having to battle through a confusing system or buy separate tickets for each part of their journey.