Transport for the North rejects smart card for northern England

Transport for the North has dismissed a 'northern Oyster card' as outdated technology, as it decides what smart ticketing and information system can use smartphones and contactless debit cards. 

TfN chief executive David Brown told The Guardian newspaper: "It's not an Oyster card... we are putting something in for a next generation. It's about people sitting getting frustrated on the M62. What do they need that would persuade them to use a northern powerhouse rail system. None of them say: 'I want a blue card in my wallet.' They want affordable travel that they know how much they are going to pay to use, with a system that is easy to use that they can use on every train."

He envisages "some sort of account which said 'thanks for travelling across the north, you're going to get a discount,' and not worrying if you have got on the right train or bus, or wondering 'have I bought the right ticket?'"

His comments come after the Chancellor gave funding for smart ticketing in northern England and after operators pledged contactless travel on all buses within six years.