The Government is being urged to pump £20 million into a new contactless travel card which would allow people to travel across the whole of the Midlands by rail, bus and tram.
Supporters say the technology could be up and running in the West Midlands and Nottingham as early as next year – and rolled out across the region by 2024.
Transport body Midlands Connect says it would help get more people back onto public transport post-Covid by improving convenience and, because it would be touch-free, improve safety.
Midlands Connect said more people working from home part of the time post-Covid could make season tickets less effective for many – and a simple, effective smart card system could help fill the gap.
MPs have now joined Midlands Connect in calling on the Government to invest in what they call a Midlands-wide “tap and cap” ticketing system which would allow people to travel seamlessly across the whole region, paying for journeys via one smart device, mobile phone or credit card.
It could even be rolled out to cover electric bike and e-scooter hire.
Midlands Connect said when it surveyed 10,001 people living in the Midlands, 61 per cent said it would make them more likely to leave their cars at home.
Various forms of smart ticketing already exist in Nottingham, with the Robin Hood travel card, and in parts of the West Midlands via Swift, the Ƶ’s second biggest public transport payment system after the London Oyster card.
The smart ticketing platform backed by Midlands Connect would be led by Transport for West Midlands, which would initially deliverit along with Nottingham City Council in those two areas.
Midlands Connect would then work with other council areas to get them on board.
West Bromwich East MP Nicola Richards said: “It’s been 17 years since the oyster card was introduced in London – it’s about time the Midlands had a smart ticketing system of its own.
“With everything else that’s going on, we must not delay efforts to decarbonise the economy - we’re in the midst of a climate emergency, and it’s essential we give passengers the tools they need to return post-pandemic to a convenient, cost-effective and safe public transport network, in greater numbers than ever before.
“This scheme represents great value for money, has the backing of local communities, and is an essential step in levelling up. I hope the Chancellor gives us the green light to turn these plans into reality.”
Lilian Greenwood, MP for Nottingham South, and former chair of the Transport Select Committee, said: “The Ƶ regions need truly smart ticketing systems, just like those enjoyed by Londoners.
“These plans will give Midlanders a transport network fit for the future – no more fussing with change, or paper tickets, just a seamless, convenient customer experience.
“We must give passengers the convenience and affordability they need to leave their cars at home.
“Pre-pandemic, public transport use was sky-rocketing across the Midlands region, we have a limited window of opportunity to welcome back both old and new customers post-Covid.
“An investment in smart ticketing and public transport will be a decisive sign that Government is serious about tackling climate change. I sincerely hope the Chancellor funds this essential project in his Budget.”
