App for West Yorkshire�s MCard travel smartcard goes live

MCard, West Yorkshire�s multi-operator smartcard ticketing scheme in, has released an android app that customers can use to buy and then load tickets. One of the first of its kind in the UK, the app is being credited as being a �game-changer� in the way customers choose to buy their travel.

The app is fully compliant with the ITSO part 11 solution and has the ability to communicate with all relevant databases to deliver transport ticketing for use instantly, in real time. Due to its ability to read and understand all available ITSO products, it is also possible for MCard to issue new ticket types and pricing on the fly; delivering the ultimate in convenience to both passengers and transport companies.

Freedom

The app is free and customers can purchase and upload day, weekly and monthly tickets for travel on just buses, or buses and trains throughout West Yorkshire. The MCard app gives passengers the freedom to take complete control of when and where they buy and load their travel meaning they can do it on the go, at work or from the comfort of their own home.

The app can be downloaded from Google Play store (opens in new tab).

Cllr Keith Wakefield, West Yorkshire Combined Authority Transport Committee Chair, said: "The MCard smart ticketing scheme has been an integral part of West Yorkshire�s travel offer since 2014, and we�ve constantly developed and improved it, always taking note of what our customers want to see. The app is another milestone for us, and we are very proud to be see it leading smart card travel in the North.�

Richard Armitage, Chairman of the MCard scheme, said: �Ease and convenience is key to delivering an outstanding customer experience, and we believe our app will provide just that. Our customers already have a variety of retail options to choose from when purchasing their travel tickets and loading them to their MCards, they include Bus Station Travel Centres, bus and rail station ticket machines, as well as more than 700 Payzone outlets. The app will simply enhance this offer and give passengers complete accessibility to buying and loading their MCards 24/7 wherever they find themselves. We see this as a true game-changer in our offer.�

The app has already seen more than 3,100 downloads since its release last month. It was developed by Molten Mouse, a leading full service digital delivery agency specialising in the public and transport sectors.

MCard, the West Yorkshire Ticketing Company�s smart ticketing scheme, is run by the county�s bus and rail operators and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

Paul Hayes, CEO for Molten Mouse said: �It�s been a really exciting project to work on, we have a unique understanding in innovation within the transport sector and a firm grasp on delivering passenger focussed solutions using the very latest technologies. We work by linking this with a deep knowledge of transport data and services. We�ve also worked closely with the MCard team delivering a digital marketing strategy to help further improve engagement with the brand.�


Download the app, now (opens in new tab).