National Smart Ticketing Advisory Board - Meeting Minutes - 11 February 2026

Attendees

• Dr Andrew Seedhouse: Chair AS

Board Members

• Claire Dickie: Rail Operator Representative CD
• Hussein Patwa: Accessibility Representative HP
• James Gleave: Transport Strategy Advisor JG
• Kirsten Urquhart: Passenger Representative KU
• Michael Nimmo: Subway Operator Representative MN
• Mostafa Gulam: Technical Systems Advisor MG
• Stevie Chambers: Bus Operator Representative SC
• *Diane Burke: Ferry Operator Representative DB
• Graeme MacFarlane: Bus Operator Representative GM
• Matt Smallwood: Smart Delivery Advisor MS
• Mary Docherty: Transport Scotland Representative MD
• *Margaret Roy: Local Transport Authority Representative (ATCO) MR
• Ranald Robertson: Regional Transport Partnership Representative (RTP) RR

Other attendees

• Juliet Bell: Smart Programme Manager (Transport Scotland) JB
• Kat Quane: Smart Policy Delivery Lead (Trasport Scotland) (Sponsor) KQ
• *Kevin Ho: Programme Support Officer (Transport Scotland) (Secretariat) KH
• *Mark Speed (Regional Transport Partnership Observer (RTP) MS

Apologies

• Marilena Papadopoulou: Tram Operator Representative MP
• Bettina Sizeland: Director of TIC (Transport Scotland) (SRO) BS

(Senior Responsible Officer within Transport Scotland)

*joined remotely

Agenda Item 1: Minutes and Actions

• The Board confirmed they were content to formally sign off the minutes from the meeting held on 17^th December 2025.

Agenda Item 2: Chair Update

Chair Update

• AS provided a brief update on developments since the previous meeting.
• An update was provided on the new Pay and Workforce Policy. An email on integrated public sector workforce and pay policy was received on 13^th January 2026.
• The Public Transport Ticketing Scheme Block Exemption Guidance was published on 9 January 2026.
• The application window for the NSTAB Delivery Manager post has now closed. Members discussed the responsibilities of the role and were keen to see the incoming support.
• AS provided an overview on Project Coral, outlining the concept and the Minimal Viable Product.

Quick Wins Update

1QW2 - New Inverness Multi Operator Smart Ticketing Project

• GMcF reported ongoing progress with the multi‑operator smart ticketing project, noting strong uptake of the Tripper product, which continues to grow at around 60% year‑on‑ While paper ticket use is decreasing, the shift is not solely a direct migration to the app; overall digital adoption is increasing, which is encouraging.
• SC noted that historical OneTicket data could help verify the trends discussed. OneTicket has been available as an app product since 2016, during which time the southeast Scotland market has changed considerably. While OneTicket sales reflect demand for multi‑operator tickets, the market differs from the current context. However, previous data may show product growth following its move to the app. SC agreed to take an action to review this information.

1QW3 - Rail & Bus integrated & digital ticketing

• CD advised that this remains a standing item until a new system is in place, with several dependencies still to be resolved, including PlusBus discussions. Retail systems continue to be a major dependency, and work is ongoing. A new web/app is targeted for launch in July 2026.

1QW6 - Ferry Integrated Ticketing- with Rail and Coach

• DB advised testing of the API wrapper is currently underway. Smart and Integrated Ticketing Plan has been published and will be refreshed annually.

1QW7 - U22 Bridging Commercial Ticket

• MD reported that progress on the U22 Bridging Commercial Ticket remains steady but is constrained by several technical dependencies. The team is continuing work that would use the current platform as a validation channel, though access requirements and security controls mean configuration is progressing more slowly than anticipated.
• MD noted that access to session environments may require additional technical steps, such as using a dedicated laptop for secure customisation, to avoid excessive bespoke development.
• KQ provided details that has supported the public‑task basis for data handing. For the communication element, this will look at ensuring clear messaging to young people as they transition out of the Under‑22 scheme.
• Features supporting discounted travel for older children and young people have been commissioned for review across teams to ensure alignment with the transitional product.

Agenda Item 3: Transport Scotland Sponsor & Policy Update

• The Bus Open Data legislation, originally expected to be signed in January, will now proceed after the pre‑election period/summer recess but will still look to be laid in 2026. The NSTAB Manager post reconfirmed as starting in March 2026

Agenda Item 4: STAR Work Programme

• AS provided an update on the STAR Work Programme.
  • Ministerial approval was received in October 2025.
  • A budget has been forecast for the Year One actions.
  • Year One activity will commence on 1st April 2026.
  • The Year One Work Programme requires endorsement.
  • There are 40 short‑term actions planned: 29 high‑priority, 7 medium‑priority, and 4 low‑priority
• AS provided an overview of the STAR Work Programme, covering the six core themes and how these map to current and future governance and system ownership. The slides outlined the existing systems and governance arrangements alongside the proposed future model.
• AS presented the “Developing & Implementing the Year One STAR Work Programme” spreadsheet and talked through its key sections. AS also advised that a workshop will be held at the Transport Scotland office on 23rd February 2026 to finalise the document.

Agenda Item 5 - Visit by Cabinet Secretary

• The Cabinet Minister for Transport visited the meeting and expressed appreciation to the Board for their ongoing work and commitment.
• CabSec received an update on NSTAB activity, including a summary of the STAR programme, an overview of members’ delivery to date, and a forward look for the remainder of year two. The update highlighted current progress, key achievements, and upcoming priorities across the NSTAB workstreams.
• CabSec acknowledged the complexity of the programme and noted that meaningful work is rarely easy. The need for the programme to continue evolving and to focus on the areas that will deliver the most value was emphasised.

Agenda Item 6 – Sector Update

Subway Operator Update – Michael Nimmo

• SPT’s senior management team continues to receive regular briefings on NSTAB activity, with the programme and the role of the Subway representative most recently reported to the SPT Partnership in December 2025. Updates are also provided to other departments, including Subway Operations and Procurement, as required.
• SPT is engaged across the wider industry through its roles as the 2026 Chair of the ZoneCard Forum and Chair of the Glasgow City Region Bus Partnership Ticketing Working Group, ensuring NSTAB activity is reflected in broader sector discussions.
• ABT (contactless payments at gates) is currently being tested on live gates, with a planned customer go‑live in mid‑March. SPT is reviewing the potential to add concession travel to ABT in 2026/27.
• Options and a business case for the introduction of barcode readers are under consideration, alongside work to explore future in‑station retail opportunities.
• SPT also noted continued interest in Project Coral and intends to remain closely engaged with NSTAB on future developments.

Bus Representative Update – Stevie Chambers/Graeme McFarlan

• Technical and commercial discussions have been held with operators and scheme owners to support the rollout of mobile retailing for all multi‑operator bus ticketing schemes across Scotland.
• Work is underway to develop the product specification, retail flow, and commercial framework for the post‑U22 entitlement bridging product pilot.
• Wider sector engagement continues through CPT, with ongoing communication of NSTAB updates for awareness and discussion. NSTAB will be included as an agenda item at the next CPT Executive Group.
• For the STAR report, engagement will be expanded through:
• An online event including a walkthrough and Q&A, open to non‑members and recorded for wider sharing.
• Awareness‑raising via existing CPT members communications channels and mailing lists.
• SC advised that prior to the introduction of trams, bus‑only cEMV TapTapCap (model 2) journeys were growing at around 2% year on year. Since trams have been added, this growth has increased to approximately 6–9%.
• SC noted that much of this increase is due to detraction from existing products, particularly day tickets essentially replacing one integrated product with another.
• It was highlighted that the TapTapCap is currently the only option that can cover all ticket types daily, weekly and single journeys within a single integrated offer.

Rail Sector Update – Claire Dickie

• Regular engagement continues with the Rail Delivery Group (RDG) and cross‑border operators to share updates, roadmaps, and developments on smart and integrated ticketing.
• Periodic meetings take place between ScotRail’s Commercial Director and RDG’s Commercial Director to ensure alignment on ticketing and retail activity.
• NSTAB representatives attend the quarterly steering group for the rail industry’s fares, ticketing, and retail programme.
• Reviewing procurement of the retail system to ensure future‑

Regional Transport Partnership – Ronald Robertson

• An update on NSTAB activity was provided to the RTP Chairs and Lead Officers Meeting.
• NSTAB updates continue to be fed into the Highland Bus Service Improvement Partnership.
• Updates from partners are being sought for sharing with NSTAB through regular meetings.
• Support continues for the delivery of NSTAB priorities, including work on short‑term quick wins for integrated ticketing.
• An update was also provided on micromobility programmes currently being delivered across Scotland.
• RR advised there is an increasing focus on improving access to employment and access to health services across all GPUs.
• RR noted that a stronger emphasis on access to employment could create opportunities to support jobseekers by reducing travel costs where appropriate intervention is possible.
• RR highlighted that the £2 fare cap pilot had demonstrated the challenges posed by legacy systems and existing technical architecture, which can limit how easily such initiatives can be rolled out. The importance of addressing these constraints was emphasised.
• It was also noted that expansion is taking place nationally, not only within the HITRANS area but across wider transport deployments. This includes further progress on the MaaS platform and significant developments in the integration of micromobility options.

Passenger Representative Update – Kirsten Urquhart

• Youth engagement work with Transport Scotland continues to show that the Under‑22 Free Bus Travel Scheme is improving access to education, employment and leisure, and is positively influencing long‑term public transport habits.
• Further insight has been gathered on issues affecting young people, including safety concerns for young women and girls.
• A session with Minister Jim Fairlie allowed young people to share their views on the future of public transport and its environmental importance.
• Digital promotion of smartcard options, including the Young Scot NEC, has increased awareness among young people, supporting future transition products for those ageing out of the U22s scheme.
• Engagement is expanding to include wider consumer groups following publication of the STAR Report.
• KS noted that she serves as Chair of the ScotRail Stakeholder Equality Group, a forum that gathers input and feedback on rail developments particularly ticketing and retail changes and meets on a regular basis.
• Significant market engagement is underway as part of ScotRail’s retail system renewal procurement programme (covering web, app, ticket vending machines, station ticket offices, and on‑train retail equipment)

Ferries Update – Diane Burke

• The team continues to engage regularly with ferry communities across Scotland to share NSTAB developments, involving local authorities and privately operated ferry companies to ensure broad input.
• From a CalMac perspective, the Board and Executive Team have full visibility of the Smart and Integrated Ticketing Plan aligned with the CHFS3 contract obligations. This plan has been published on the CalMac website, will be refreshed annually, and provides a clear three‑year roadmap.
• Work is also underway to develop partnership agreements. A partnership with ScotRail is in place, and a new agreement has recently been signed with CityLink Coaches. These agreements focus on improving integration across journey planning, ticket purchasing, and travel.
• Improving timetabling coordination remains a key theme, particularly ensuring better alignment at transport hubs where rail, ferry, and coach services connect.
• DW added that work is ongoing with ITSO to ensure compatibility with concessionary products. New ITSO compatible devices are being procured. DW also noted that the Ticket‑to‑Wallet solution is scheduled to go live later this month.

Accessibility Update - Hussain Patwa

• Accessibility implications were noted, with some practical considerations expected to emerge later as systems develop. Inclusion issues around caching and digital access were highlighted.
• Feedback from the disability community shows increasing interest in digital options, with many concessionary travellers using the National Entitlement Card (NEC). Challenges remain around integrating the NEC with some ticketing solutions, particularly for cross‑border travel.
• HS reported that, through attending focus group sessions evaluating the NEC, there is growing demand for digitisation and more seamless integration with pay‑as‑you‑go ticketing.
• It was noted that usage data for concessionary travel on non‑bus modes remains limited, with inconsistent scanning of NECs reported. This presents challenges in monitoring long‑term sustainability and determining appropriate subsidy levels.
• HS highlighted the importance of ongoing support for passengers learning to use new digital systems, alongside maintaining reliable in‑person assistance for situations where technology does not work as intended.

Local Authorities Update – Margaret Roy

• MR highlighted that residents in rural local authority areas can experience levels of isolation comparable to urban communities when transport links are limited. Without reliable services connecting residential areas to mainline rail, tram, or bus networks, people face significant barriers to mobility and access to essential services.
• MR emphasised the importance of strengthening and expanding community transport groups. These groups play a critical role in bridging gaps where commercial services are not viable. MR noted that, in her experience, bus companies are generally supportive of community transport initiatives, as they help bring passengers to mainline routes, ultimately increasing overall public transport usage.
• MR explained that integrated ticketing presents fewer challenges in the community transport context, as many of these groups operate as charities and do not charge a fixed fare often relying instead on voluntary donations. MR suggested that community transport will be key to future progress on integration and improving access for rural communities.

Technical Update – Mostafa Gulam, James Gleave, Matt Smallwood

• It was noted that there is still significant work to do across the rail industry to understand how all parties of which we are an integral part will operate together.
• Work is ongoing with the maintenance team and with the wider GPR network to improve shared understanding and coordination.
• No major issues are currently anticipated regarding system access or the potential loss of a single source of truth, but there will need to be a period of readjustment as all partners align ways of working.

Agenda Item 7: AOB

• MN pointed out that Glasgow began a pilot programme giving 1,000 residents unlimited access to buses, trains and the Subway for seven weeks.
• Discussion took place regarding the timing of the next Board meeting in light of the Easter break and member availability. It was agreed that the meeting will be held on 21 April 2026, from 10:00 to 14:00, at the Transport Scotland office.