Welsh travelers will use smartcard technology
There is about to be a whole new way to travel by bus in Wales, thanks to smartcard technology.
Newport Bus, the Welsh travel company, will soon launch a smartcard system enabling travelers to purchase the cards at weekly, monthly and annual rates, the BBC reports.
The plan, according to the news source, is for the company to work with the assembly government in order to provide 650,000 riders with the new, technologically advanced cards. Those who purchase a "Passport" card will pay £12 for unlimited use in one week, allowing passengers to ride on nearly 48 different bus services. For those who want a monthly pass, it will cost them £46.80.
Newport Bus said that is has carried 7.6 million travelers since it began and more than 100,00 in the past year, the BBC reported.
"This is an important step in the development of an all-Wales transport entitlement card and I am delighted that Newport Transport has made the move to smart cards," said Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones in an interview with the news source.
Many transportation departments have implemented similar smartcard systems in recent months. The Toronto Star recently reported that the Greater Ontario transit system is preparing to implement its own smartcard system called "Presto."
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