Major smartcard initiative launched on Supertram network

Supertram passengers in Sheffield are to benefit from smarter travel following the launch of an innovative smartcard ticketing scheme in the area.

The StagecoachSmart scheme – which is now live across the city’s tram network – allows Supertram passengers to store their travel on an electronic card instead of using paper tickets. It also offers customers the chance to pay for their tram travel through hassle-free automatic payments.

The launch of the smartcard technology in the area means that there is now an integrated smart ticketing system in place across Stagecoach’s bus and tram operations in Sheffield, following the launch of StagecoachSmart at Stagecoach Yorkshire last year.

Customers can now use their StagecoachSmart travel card for travel on board trams and Stagecoach buses in Sheffield, making it even easier to use public transport.

The introduction of the technology is another demonstration of Stagecoach’s commitment to making travel easier and more convenient for its customers. The scheme also highlights the progress Stagecoach is making in working towards the Government’s vision to enable most public transport journeys to be made using smart ticketing by December 2014.

Managing Director of Stagecoach Supertram, Margaret Kay, said: “We know we have a responsibility to our customers to continue introducing new technology and new ideas to improve their travel experience. We believe the launch of StagecoachSmart will encourage even more people to try our greener, smarter tram services.”

The launch of StagecoachSmart on Supertram also offers passengers the chance to sign up to the company’s new Megarider Xtra ticket which allows monthly payments to be debited from the customer’s bank account on an agreed date each month, meaning they no longer have to renew their ticket manually. The customer’s Megarider Xtra ticket is stored on their StagecoachSmart travel card and simply remains valid for travel until the payment is cancelled.

Supertram customers who purchase a 4 Week tram only megarider or 4 Week tram and bus megarider ticket will automatically be sent a StagecoachSmart travel card with their travel loaded on to it. Thereafter they can add travel to their smartcard either online or on board the tram.

Stagecoach Group has already introduced StagecoachSmart travel cards at almost all of its bus companies in England.

Stagecoach was also the first major operator to accept concessionary smartcard transactions on every one of its buses outside London. More than 200million concessionary journeys are now made a year on Stagecoach buses using smartcards.

For more information about StagecoachSmart can be found at www.stagecoachsmart.com