Tap-and-go contactless travel across buses, trains and trams is set to expand to more cities and towns in England after the government announced new powers for local leaders under its “Better Connected” national transport strategy on Thursday.
The plan will allow local authorities to replicate integrated payment systems already operating in places such as Liverpool, London and Nottingham, enabling passengers to travel across multiple modes using a single bank card without buying separate tickets or switching between apps. The policy forms part of more than 40 fully funded commitments aimed at simplifying door-to-door journeys and improving reliability.
Ministers said recent measures — including a rail fare freeze, the bus fare cap and a freeze in fuel duty — had already sought to make travel more affordable. The strategy places further emphasis on giving local leaders flexibility, control and long-term funding certainty to design joined-up networks, with the aim of improving value for money and helping to keep fares down.
The announcement also includes a partnership with Google to enable real-time bus tracking through Google Maps across England, a move the government said would be particularly beneficial in rural areas where services are less frequent. In addition, the National Parking Platform will be expanded, allowing motorists to use any participating parking app rather than downloading separate applications for different car parks.
A £6mn “Mini Switzerland” pilot in the Peak District’s Hope Valley will test more frequent rural bus services timed to connect with trains, with the government citing European rural transport models. The trial is intended to support local communities and tourism.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said the changes would make journeys “easy and reliable”, adding that passengers should be able to transfer between trains and buses without navigating “a confusing system” or purchasing multiple tickets. She said the new powers would help local leaders build “simpler, more accessible and better connected” transport networks.
The strategy also includes £40mn for local authorities to trial digital technologies designed to improve transport, reduce congestion and limit disruption. New Local Transport Plan guidance is being published alongside the funding to provide a framework for developing integrated networks.
Jason Prince, director of the Urban Transport Group, welcomed the strategy, saying it would deliver a “step change” in contactless services and build on work already underway in devolved areas. He added that the measures could help ensure people “from cities to the countryside” are better connected.
The plan sits alongside wider transport initiatives, including the creation of Great British Railways, investment in local roads and the rollout of electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
