National Smart Ticketing Advisory Board - Meeting Minutes - 11 March 2025

Attendees

Chair

• Dr Andrew Seedhouse: AS

Board Members:

• *Michael Nimmo: Subway Operator Representative MN
• *Marilena Papadopoulou: Tram Operator Representative (HOST) MP
• Diane Burke: Ferry Operator Representative DB
• Hussein Patwa: Accessibility Representative HP
• *Margaret Roy: Local Transport Authority Representative (ATCO) MR
• *Ranald Robertson: Regional Transport Partnership Representative (RTP) RR
• *Mary Docherty: Transport Scotland Representative MD
• Claire Dickie: Rail Operator Representative CD
• *Stevie Chambers: Bus Operator Representative (observer) SC
• *Mostafa Gulam: Technical Systems Advisor MG
• Kirsten Urquhart: Passenger Representative KU

Other attendees:

• *Bettina Sizeland: Director of Bus, Accessibility and Active Travel (Transport BS Scotland) (SRO)
• *Juliet Bell: Smart Programme Manager (Transport Scotland) JB
• Kat Quane (Transport Scotland, Sponsor) KQ

Apologies

• *Matt Smallwood: Smart Delivery Advisor MS
• *James Gleave: Transport Strategy Advisor JG
• *Graeme Macfarlan: Bus Operator Representative (observer) GM

Actions from the last meeting

Table 1: Actions

250114-01 - Closed - DB to host breakout session with ferry operators over engagement for the Innovatious Report.

250114-02 – Closed - Bus rep to meet with operators regarding ticketing enhancements using the Tripper model.

250311-03 – Open - All to feed back to JB/KQ anything not covered by the recommendations of the baselining report, and also the Board members sectoral views on the recommendations themselves.

250311-04 – Open -  SC and CD to discuss bus-rail links for OneTicket.

250311-05 – Open - As to contact JB to discuss the BEEP (DVS) product.

Agenda 1 : Actions from last meeting – Andrew Seedhouse

• AS welcomed all to the meeting. The Board agreed the previous minutes to be accurate. Minutes of the 15 January 2025 meeting to be published. Both open actions (ferries breakout session and Bus operators meeting) actioned and agreed to close.

Agenda 2 : Chair Update – Andrew Seedhouse

• AS advised that he had attended a Public Sector Reform Summit hosted by the Minister for Public Finance at the University of Strathclyde in mid -February. The summit was attended by public bodies, councils and related bodies, with the message that the public sector must be more efficient and effective. AS found the day useful and is mindful of being represented at these events to make sure that Ministers keep in mind the work of smaller, specialist public bodies which don’t have the option to merge or accept a one size fits all cut for example.
• AS – advised that he had attended a Public Sector Reform Summit hosted by the Minister for Public Finance at the University of Strathclyde in mid -February. The summit was attended by public bodies, councils and related bodies, with the message that the public sector must be more efficient and effective. AS found the day useful and is mindful of being represented at these events to make sure that Ministers keep in mind the work of smaller, specialist public bodies which don’t have the option to merge or accept a one size fits all cut for example.
• The ’expression of interest’ letter to project Coral has been issued, which affirms the Boards interest in the project, but with wording that cannot be read as providing financial support or that implies a commitment to use of the end product. AS was able to follow up with a one to one discussion at Transport Ticketing Global with the Coral team, and feels that the conversation was productive in terms of future updates on the project. AS advised that that the tenders to stage 1 of the project are now in for review.
• The RDG project uses a single back office with cEMV managing taps for rail - using the same standards for coding for the eMV taps would be sensible across all operators. John Backway at RDG has provided a report on this, which AS will share with Project Coral.
• AS suggested the Board formally write to project Coral encouraging them to write to their suppliers for stage 2 to align with the standards already in use by all bodies. The Board approve that AS will write and issue this letter which might include encouragement to review and incorporate the findings of the RDG report

Agenda 3 : Transport Scotland sponsor update – Kat Quane

• KQ has updated the appraisal policy, conduct policy and expenses policy and will re-upload them to KHUB. This has been driven by the Board being required to undertake yearly appraisal, but the standard appraisal process not aligning well to a small technical Board without a CEO. KQ has therefore taken the opportunity to refresh all of the standard paperwork and will reupload to KHUB before next meeting. Similarly AS will carry out appraisals in line with the refreshed policy between now and the April meeting.
• The NSTAB mailbox had received confirmation from the Competition Market Authority that the block exemption would continue on a non-time-dated basis, removing the need to reconsult on the exemption every few years. This was welcomed by the Board.
• KQ invited SC to introduce himself. For the purposes of the March Meeting SC is deputising as observer bus representative in the absence of GM, however it was confirmed that the intention is to offer both SC and GM the permanent post of Bus Operator Representative, effectively splitting their time collaboratively for the role. This was welcomed by the Board.
• AS thanked KQ for presenting on the work of NSTAB and the Scottish legislation at TTG, CD gave complimentary feedback on the session.
• KQ advised that she would try to arrange for the minister to attend the next NSTAB meeting as discussed previously. This was agreed. – POST MEETING NOTE – if the next meeting is subsumed into the workshop, this will be the subsequent meeting.

Agenda 4: : Consultancy Update – Innovatious

• The ‘final’ version of the report has now been circulated to all members. AS advised that following the separate ferries breakout sessions, ferries were now included in the report. MG confirmed that while this fully rounds out the report, the additional ferries content does not alter the recommendations or the executive summary
• AS invited the Board to have a final quick review of the report, after which it will be ready for publication. AS advised it was important to ensure that none of the recommendations read in such a way that they could be interpreted in a significantly different way, but did not foresee more than minor changes at this stage.
• RR noted that the new ferries content includes a statement that there is no broad interest in multi-modal travel beyond rail/sail, however RR advised of a situation in Stornoway which would be of specific interest to bus (Citylink) MR noted via chat that a similar example would exist at Cairnryan. RR queried where this view had come from. KQ confirmed with Innovatious via email that the views were those of ferry operators rather than ferry users. KQ advised that the statement could be caveated ‘terry operators feel’ to be clear that it is not the view of customers. DB noted some customer facing engagement that CalMac are engaged in would be pertinent to the views of ferry users in this situation. CD noted that it was good to air views ahead of final release but that once published that should be the ‘final’ version.
• JB asked that if members were aware of issues that fall outside of the specific recommendations of the report, such as RR’s example of the views of ferry users, that they feed it back to JB/KQ so that it can be considered in the round as part of the overarching strategy work, and also the views of board members for their sectors on the recommendations themselves, ideally within the next two weeks. This was agreed by all.

Agenda 5 : Quick Win Progress – All

Enhance Integrated bus tickets retail offering

• SC - graham has been trying to contact scheme owners for existing schemes, Thanked MR who facilitated contact with the Dundee ABC scheme, From GMs team Ryan (?) has been outlining what is required in a technical capacity. SC noted that Oneticket already largely exists in a digital space and that the, tripper growth could be due to replacing a plastic card (with many steps) being replaced by digital which is easier to access. This means the same outcomes are not predicted for Oneticket which is already fully digital and has no paper element.
• The Oneticket Board to will discuss linking with other operators apps
• Query from JB - Oneticket is bus - bus, are you discussing Bus - train? SC noted this would be the ambition. CD feels this is linked to the 'one barcode' ticket that covers multiple modes - that would be an enabler on this CD and SC to discuss offline

Inverness Multi-Operator Smart Ticketing Project

• RR - has been working with a muti- operator ticket in the area via BSIP - would like to look at the tripper product for to new schemes (one for inverness one for fort William)
• RR spoke favourably about Scotrail mticket inclusive rail/bus ticket with inverness airport and the success of that offering
• Inverness - CD - trial going on to digitise the plusbus tickets, no update at present but will Issue the update around if it comes in between meetings

Multi-Modal QR Code Pilot

• AS led through a number of detailed slides on the progress of the project.
• Multi-modal QR English Pilot - 7 partners, live testing tomorrow
• Scottish testing: Flowbird, ScotRail, Lothian bus, Edinburgh trams, and iblocks - tested a test token to see if it would open the rail gate and the flowbird handheld - Dynamic code not read by flowbird but the 2d could be read. With a rail product the gate opened, with a rail and non-rail product returned an error. Issue may be that the gate supplier have not correctly updated the RDG specification. The Spec has an area of space which the system is instructed to ignore but is returning an error message consistent with not ignoring the section. This means that the solution may be technically possible still, if the gates are actually updated to spec. AS advised that he would circulate a fuller update between meetings due to the timing of the testing dates.
• CD asked if there was anything they could do to help speed up supplier response, AS could not think of anything immediately.
• For Scotland, the PAYG token does fit into the allocated code space, but takes up all free space. - in the English pilot it fits if the dynamic element is removed, however that is likely a key ask for operators. - would be difficult to implement by expanding the space, so likely to come back with a change the barcode solution however difficult it is to fit everything in one area
• A single national standard for non-rail operators and rail operators would require two separate barcodes (albeit everything which is not rail would be handled as one additional barcode. Rail and non-rail barcode that will work together as one was the original aspiration of the pilot (aim to .This would always have meant two different codes for out and return, but one ‘out’ would work on all modes’ and one ‘in’ would work on all modes looks like it can only be technically achieved by having a rail and a non-rail solution
• HP asked how often is the code naturally updated, can there be changes brought in at the next cycle?
• AS - RDG soon to consult on this, however it is unlikely that there will be an appetite to change

Marketing – Interoperability & integrated ticketing

• SPT - YS - Marketing - MN KU looking at opportunity within existing network to promote rail discounted travel, and the young person’s entitlement - TikTok/Instagram/Facebook style content - no budget to promote but organic engagement (peer networks) had already delivered 10s of thousands of views keen to discuss with SPT on doing that again and further conversation about how we can encourage young people onto public transport.

 Ferry integrated ticketing – with rail & coach

• CD/RR looking to raise awareness of available ticketing - CD looking at raising awareness of plusbus etc, CD keen to support raising awareness of current offerings and would like to include in the 'did you know' content of their marketing
• RR gave feedback from a recent HITRANS event - noted limited awareness in Orkney of the availability of Rail – Sail tickets across the Pentland Firth particularly the very useful benefit offered of a free taxi between Scrabster Ferry Terminals and Thurso Rail Station (and vice versa) for those who have purchased a Rail sail ticket. HITRANS and Orkney Islands Council would be keen to support promotion of this useful benefit of the existing integrated ticket. RR also keen that local residents are aware of this as well as tourists

U22s Transitionary Product

• AS updated that there is software (Beep) that looks at what concessionary journeys made up to renewal dates, which can be used to identify a potential commercial product that could replace it. MD noted that for the NEC TS do not hold both journey information and identify information which would likely be necessary. MD/KU have been engaging on U22 travel - young scot to set up focus groups and surveys how regularly is the bus being used by 22year olds (in response to a query on this from Ministers) and also looking at rail/ferry and what would make it more attractive – This should be concluded by end of April with findings fed back to this forum. MP keen to see the recommendations
• RR noted that a recent UK/DfT report notes that 22 - 24 year olds are still regular bus users (pre car ownership phase of life) the proposed £2 fare cap and cost of living crisis still having an impact.
• MN – asked - - does the beep software split by age demographic? Noting that 20 -29 are the biggest age group for multimodal zonecard. AS advised that DVS (Beep) is on an ITSO platforms - takes core information e.g. are people going using NEC cards to visit other areas (tourism) but that if the information was available, it can be read, it is not exclusive to ITSO.

Ministerial List

• The Board agreed that due to the speed of delivery and reliance on the commercial space to deliver, both the U22 transitionary ticket and Interoperable Marketing ‘Quick Wins’ should be omitted from the list put to the Minister. This leaves five quick wins

Agenda 6 : Workshop Planning Session -All Members

The workshop date will produce outputs against the following two remits

• Provide advice on Low, Medium and High level intervention opportunities in smart ticketing, building on the quick wins, to:
• improve accessibility & inclusivity of smart ticketing;
• improve smart ticketing integration & systems affordability; and
• improve smart ticketing delivery.
• Provide advice on opportunities to enhance the smart provision of regional integrated multi-operator and multi-modal ticketing arrangements and schemes (e.g. consistent customer proposition, consistent technology, ABT).

Unfortunately the date of the 24^th April does not work for the majority, so AS will issue a doodle poll for a rearranged date. Ideally the new date can be accommodated by Scotrail who generously agreed to host the session. KU noted that depending on date it might be possible for YS to host.

Agenda 7 : Sectoral Update - All Members

• RR provided a written update. Noted the publication of the Maas investment evaluation by TS, including the 16 recommendations on MaaS – (Link from chat - )
• HITRANS HI Bike public docked eBike system is being expanded in Inverness with new docks opening at Raigmore Hospital, Torvean Mobility Hub and Inverness Castle (summer 2025). The HI-Bike Fort William System is also being expanded with a new dock planned for Blar Mhor to serve the Medical Practice and new housing. HI-Bike expansion to Elgin is also planned for 2025 with a new 7 Hub system including Rail and Bus Stations.
• HITRANS have ordered a Brompton Folding Bike Dock to site at or near Aviemore Rail Station. SESTran have also supported Brompton docks at Sheriffhall Park and Ride, Queen Margaret University (near Musselburgh Rail Station). A Brompton dock has also been introduced at Glasgow Caledonian University. Each Brompton locker holds eight folding bikes, each of which is available to hire for just £5 for 24 hours and for up to 60 days at a time.
• RR noted they had thanked BTP inverness staff who have helped combat antisocial behaviour at the hubs.

• SC Noted the ongoing quick wins work with other operator and noted that the ‘big ticket’ items progressed through CPT.
• CD advised that the ‘connected railways’ consultation published by DFT on GBR is seeking views on what future retail would look like - aspiration is for one digital retail platform but no suggestion of how long that might take.
• Tap and pay (ABT) closed group trial is now completed, and is now available via App from the App Store. There have been 5k signups so far. AS has asked for the group to be kept updated. RDG announced that Iblocks (tap provider) have been procured to be the national tap aggregator for RDG.
• KU – noted working with TS on engaging with young people. This includes the now launched new app available for “show and go” discounts which includes transport, but also allows replacement card ordering and uses push notifications etc to guide content. KU noted this could be used to showcase the marketing content to date.
• Annual insight survey due to launch - Public transport features, link in chat.
• MD feasibility study on digital concession now started – noting that there is no preconceived outcome, it may find that no platform is feasible, or that many platforms are feasible which may lead to a pilot project. JB noted that this is a step up from desk based review and will be used to inform a business case and attempt to secure a budget (no budget allocated yet). Technical feasibility and cost implication will be looked at but MD reminded all that it is not a commercial scheme, cost of operation means cost burden to the public purse rather than making a profit.
• DB noted that CalMac’s new API capability will be launching June/July 2025 which will open up conversations with CityLink etc.
• TS approval for partnership agreement between CalMac and ScotRail pending just awaiting- CabSec approval. AS raised a query on what the partnership unlocks - DB explained it would allow for better planning, joined up timetabling, customer insights (barriers to travel) minimised interchange times and a look for the first time at the implication of missed connections on ferry users
• HP – Advised that he was invited to present to the Parliament on access and access issues to committee. Noted that he mentioned integrated and smart ticketing in the context of access. HP asked why a digital platform is being looked at for concessions and queried if it was for perceived ease of use. JB Advised that there was no plans to retire the card, but that some demographics were keen to see a deployment of a digital solution, such as parents of children who lose cards and that the feasibility study would likely take 1.5 years to go from pilot to publishing.
• MN - SPT contactless project implementation still ongoing alongside the modernisation programme. Completion by end of 2025. ScotRail tap and pay of particular interest to subway
• MP - Trams - ABT trial with flowbird not ready for acceptance testing (next week) with go live end of April, all being well. AS thanked MP for the use of a handheld for barcode testing.
• MG – Noted that ITSO2.15 could be imminent, albeit ITSO 2.14 also took a while to come in and was then in place for over 7 years. AS believes it would be this year but not necessarily soon. AS will share information on the new procurement Act for England between meetings, noting that it is an England and Wales only Bill.
• BS will provide a more substantive update on integrated transport in the future, but nothing further to add at this stage.
• MD – Working towards an MVP for digital travel data services product, which has required working closely with suppliers. JB’s team working on a range of projects. To note, Transport Scotland attended a workshop with Deloitte for Transport Scotland’s future, which was useful.

Next Steps & AOB

• AS – Next board meeting due 06^th May 2025. MD/JB noted this is the day that TS move offices.
• POST MEETING NOTE – if a host can be found, a combined workshop/board meeting may be more efficient. KQ to suggest with circulation of Board Minutes.

Proposed date for next meeting: 06 May 2025 , TBC

Quick Win Actions

Quick Win proposal

Enhance integrated bus tickets retail offering (Grasshopper, ABC, One-Ticket)

14^th January

GM – Contacted key operators reflecting what was done with Tripper to make it more convenient. Operators had reservations. GM advised that he must go to bus operators to re-engage. Short term there is an opportunity to improve access to smart zone products. This requires the cooperation of, Stagecoach, Lothian, McGills etc.

11^th March

Update from slide deck.

Quick Win proposal

New Inverness Multi Operator Smart Ticketing Project/ Rail & Bus integrated & digital ticketing.

14^th January

RR had provided a written update, and has met with Wendy Reddington on sharing back-office with other operators. Noting that Grasshopper could work well.

CD – On the PlusBus scheme there is trial in England currently, CD to update on outcome.

CD - This month Scotrail are undertaking a digital kiosk procurement. This is not a quick process. In addition Scotrail have started a closed trial for a tap and pay ABT product.CD to update in relation to future multi-modal integration.

11^th March

Inverness / Inner Moray Firth and Lochaber Integrated ticketing proposal has made a little progress since the last NSTAB meeting. Discussion has taken place with Aberdeenshire Council on the potential to share a back office with Grasshopper. There are concerns on capacity to support this as there are some key staff changes at Aberdeenshire Council. Noting the update on Glasgow Tripper and their interest in looking at expansion it might be worth a meeting involving the Highland and Aberdeenshire interests to see if Tripper might offer potential for a common back office and potential for common brand and Governance processes. Tripper already includes a number of operators involved in the Highland and Aberdeenshire / Aberdeen Ticketing projects.

Quick Win proposal

FAT/SAT Pilot Area for single Multimodal QR Code standard project

FAT – Factory acceptance test

SAT – Site acceptance test

Marketing - Interoperability & integrated ticketing

14^th January

AS – Multi-modal QR code Pilot Specification is complete, peer review is finished. Subject to external security review. iBlocks suggest Scotland as a pilot for PAYG. Testing needs to be done by Mid-March 2025.

AS, MP and CD had a short pre meeting discussion, and have agreed to update at a future meeting.

MN – Transport Scotland doing review on technical interoperability.

Full range of products not in place yet.

It was noted that this may be a relatively slow quick win, however it was noted that Young Scot have already have some sector marketing on social media.

11^th March

Iblock have build app for testing.

Test based on PAYG product for non-rail, emebded within rail PAYG Barcode.

Flowbird have reconfigured Ed Trams handheld to read product.

Flowbird Fat Test complete.

Scotrail have tested product on Test Gate.

Live test Mar 12 at Glasgow Central with Scotrail and as KU gave an update on the social media content launched to date, which has been successful.

Quick Win proposal

Ferry integrated ticketing – with rail and coach.

14^th January

DB – Ferry integrated ticketing. Propsal for an API launching in July proposal to enable third party retail of Calmac tickets. Works continues. DB to update at next meeting.

11^th March

Calmac API set to Launch in July as with previous (no update yet)

CD/RR looking to raise awareness of currently available rail/sail ticketing - and offers such as free scrabster taxi service – RR keen that residents and tourists both made aware.

CD looking at raising awareness of plusbus etc, CD keen to support raising awareness of current offerings and would like to include in the 'did you know' content of their marketing.

Quick Win proposal

U22s Transitionary Product.

14^th January

New quick win in January 2025

JB had raised after the previous meeting that a quick win would be a transition period for post 22 year olds via a discounted ticket product. JB added that it was an area for commercial tickets to come in and win people back to bus. This is to be included as a quick win going forward.

MD – suggested pulling together focus groups of young people from 22-26 to ask if they are still using public transport and what mode they are using. With a summary output for next meeting.

11^th March

AS has reviewed with Beep Travel (Dvs) as ability to provide U22 DVS for Scotland – positive. Beep have agreed to demo – AS to arrange with JB.