Transport Select Committee bus report

[iMarkeh]

RE: Transport Select Committee bus report
I think one of the biggest ways we can make things more simple which seems to have been overlooked is the 30,000 smartcard systems and most people not knowing that as long as the cards are ITSO, they can be used with all other ITSO operators (ie Stagecoach Smart cards can actually hold GWR Weekly passes). We need to reduce the number of smartcard systems (and young person photocards) in the UK. This would put more space in peoples wallets/purses (less smartcards), not make people think they need different cards for all areas, reduce waste (people getting rid of cards when they move house). It has endless benefits.

On the whole, the report does seem to have a lot of good things in it. A lot of it is about government providing new/better guidance for councils which is always a good thing but it all depends on if the councils will read the guidance. I do like the sound of the ridding fuel duty for buses and looking to change the concessionary fares as the 'no better, no worse off' is not working and they need to change it to suit current fare levels.

I think it is positive on the whole. It's just getting guidance and changes in place.