‘One ticket’ closer for West Midlands

Rail travel across the West Midlands is closer to being integrated into a ‘one journey one ticket’ operation following the launch of an £18 million programme to convert bus services to contactless access over the next two years.

In advance of a blanket scheme being rolled out across all the region’s rail, bus, tram and coach services, Transport for West Midlands wants fare capping to offer passengers best value and greater convenience when using their credit or debit card.

Those without a bank account will still be able to buy Swift travel cards, of which 250,000 are currently in use, and the £4.20 cost of a day saver has not risen since 2013. The Department for Transport has also agreed to peg single fares at £2 for an undefined period.