Get Smart
LGE learns more about PayPoint, the UK’s leading retail network provider of smartcard services
As UK public transport operators have more stringent targets to meet and consumers are demanding better value for money, there is pressure on transport companies to deliver flexible, convenient and affordable ticketing solutions.
The development of smartcard ticketing, based on the Oyster card model, is central to meeting the needs of public transport operators responding to accelerating change in government policy. PayPoint has a strong track record in providing smartcard solutions for many of the UK transport operators. PayPoint's solution enables tickets to be purchased - ahead of travel - at over 22,000 PayPoint terminals which are located in convenience stores throughout the UK (including multiple brands such as Co-op, Spar, McColls, Costcutter, Sainsburys Local, One Stop, Londis and thousands of independents).
In the UK, PayPoint is the leading cash and internet payments company and is the only retail network provider with an integrated contact-less smartcard reader. In addition, it also provides a variety of services; gas and electricity meter prepayments, cash bill payments, mobile phone top-ups, BBC TV licences and a wide variety of other payment types for most leading utilities, telecommunications suppliers and many consumer service companies. PayPoint outlets also accept rent and/or Council Tax payments in cash for many hundreds of local authorities and housing associations across the UK.
PayPoint works with a range of public transport operators throughout the UK, helping them deliver smartcard ticketingsolutions. The scheme extends to transport companies including Lothian Buses, Reading Transport, The Oxford Bus Company, Ipswich Buses, Thamesdown Transport, and Arriva. PayPoint can accommodate a range of smartcard ticketing solutions for example, Period Passes, Carnet Tickets, Multi- Journey Tickets, or an E-Purse.
PayPoint’s smartcard solutions have had success in revolutionising public transport travel for a number of clients.
When Reading and Newbury Transport launched a smartcard scheme with PayPoint in March 2007, it enabled customers to re-load their Period Passes, add additional Multi-Journey products or simply add value to their E-Purse. Prior to launching a smartcard ticketing scheme, Reading and Newbury Transport had already launched a paper based ticketing solution with PayPoint. The smartcard provided an additional flexible ticketing solution, to support the Reading and Newbury Transport infrastructure. PayPoint has additional client smartcard schemes in its development pipeline, which further demonstrates its ongoing commitment to supporting public transport nationwide.
Smartcards represent the future of public transport ticketing. They offer cost effective, customer-focused and convenient ticketing options which support the continued commitment of transport operators to improve the quality of their services.
