Respondents' final thoughts
To conclude the survey, respondents were asked if there was anything else they would like to add about smart and integrated ticketing. Many of the responses echoed previous comments, especially about integrated ticketing in other countries, mobile coverage, integration of services, and information for cyclists. Thirty-nine people said that integrated tickets in Scotland should function like those in other places.
Something like the monthly subscription for regional transport that they have in Germany would be a brilliant idea. Why are there no zones like you get in London. It means you have some proper choice for days out that don't cost any more.”
The ideal would be an Oyster-style contactless system. Use contactless card on any mode of transport, automatic capping and cheapest fares, web portal and mobile app to see all history.”
Thirty-one people stated that services themselves should be integrated, nationally and across all providers including ferries and air.
If the services don't work well together (e.g. ferry-to-train transfers, which frequently don't work) no amount of integrated ticketing will help things.”
Twenty-nine respondents said that transport services need to be reliable and high quality, across all parts of Scotland, before smart/integrated ticketing is implemented.
Improved reliability and affordability of public transport (particularly buses) should go hand-in-hand with more integrated ticketing/payments. The lack of reliability of public transport, and the lack of coordination between different operators/modes of transport, makes getting around by public transport a real chore.”
Due to high costs of transport introduce a Western Isles smart card (pay lowered sum annually) for internal travelling throughout Western Isles to encourage public transport usage, and that can be also used for cheaper connecting public transport on mainland.”
Significant improvement in the transport infrastructure - not just in the Central Belt but to more rural areas. No point having a smooth ticketing solution if only the people in large cities can benefit”
Ten people stressed that all types of ticketing need to be accessible for disabled people, elderly people and people experiencing poverty. One person asked that community transport services be considered alongside those run by commercial operators.
Issues with digital or contactless solutions
A number of respondents made the point that technology was not always the most desirable solution to ticketing or transport issues.
I particularly resent not having paper tickets available where a smartphone or app is required (I don't have a phone and I don't want to feel like I ought to get one just to access cheaper public transport).”
Any smart ticketing/integrated ticketing system should not disproportionally affect the elderly, poor or disabled. For example, many elderly don't have access to smartphones or internet access - or just won't use them due to a lack of trust or understanding. Forcing everything online is not a great option for these groups.”
One person said that they were no longer using public transport because they do not have access to a mobile or contactless payments. Twelve reiterated that cash payments should be available to those who want or need it. Five of these tied the ability to continue using cash to their right to privacy.