Bus Vannin

[KMN-221-U]

RE: Bus Vannin
Some news from IoM Today. Hopefully there'll be a Card purely for use with Isle Of Man Transport, which I'd definitely be interested in.

Quote:Plan to introduce smartcards is outlined in Keys
Published on the 06 March 2014 11:45


Chris Robertshaw MHK


Ambitions for a single smart card system to use on buses, in shops and over the post office counter were outlined in the House of Keys.

Details emerged as Chris Robertshaw, acting as temporary Minister for Community, Culture and Leisure, answered questions about delays in replacing an ill-fated bus ticketing system.

A public accounts committee investigation last year concluded that serious mistakes were made in the purchase of the Almex ticketing system which is having to be replaced after less than five years at a cost of £400,000 as it is no longer deemed fit for purpose.

In the Keys, Douglas West MHK Chris Thomas asked about delays in introducing the new system. Mr Robertshaw replied: ‘Great care has been taken. It would have been unforgivable if we had rushed our fences and got it wrong.’

The new ticket system will take smartcards and Mr Robertshaw indicated plans for a new card system being worked on by Social Care and the Post Office would be compatible for other uses in the future. Michael MHK Alred Cannan asked if the vision was for one card allowing people to use the buses, collect their cash at the post office and make purchases at local stores.

Mr Robertshaw replied there may not necessarily be one card at first but the aim was to move towards this.