Oyster cards ‘should be used everywhere’
Oyster cards should be rolled out across the whole country to increase public transport use, a thinktank has found.
In a report published today, Centre for Cities said such a move would drive up bus use and improve public transport in the UK’s built-up areas.
The Oyster card is currently used in London by commuters who swipe in and out of London’s public transport using a top-up system. It can be used on bus, tube, tram, DLR, London overground and some National Rail services in the capital.
Today’s report argues new partnerships between city leaders, transport operators and private sector ticketing firms could make a real difference to improving public transport outside London.
“Over the past three decades Labour and Conservative governments alike have failed to turn around public transport in Britain’s big urban areas – and city residents have increasingly opted for the car,” Centre for Cities head of policy Adam Marshall said.
“Except in London, transport in most British cities remains fragmented and uncoordinated. This is a big problem in today’s tough economic climate as public transport is a lifeline to work and services.”
The report proposes the creation of integrated traffic authorities in Greater Manchester, Birmingham, Merseyside, Sheffield, Leeds, Newcastle, Bristol and Tees Valley.
