Conclusion
The NSTAB Standards & Technology Advisory Report (STAR) provides Scottish Ministers with a comprehensive and pragmatic pathway to achieving a nationally integrated, accessible, and future-proof smart ticketing system across Scotland’s diverse public transport network. This report reflects an ambitious yet deliverable programme of reforms that support national policy objectives, including modal shift, social equity, digital inclusion, and net-zero emissions.
At its core, STAR lays out a vision for a customer focussed phased transition to a standards-led, multi-modal Account-Based Ticketing (ABT) ecosystem. This system is designed to support multiple token types, smartcards, contactless EMV, barcodes, and mobile applications, thereby preserving customer choice while enabling nationwide interoperability and improved operational efficiency. Ministers will be able to leverage this infrastructure to deliver flexible fare policies, real-time fare integration across modes, and a consistent customer ticketing experience regardless of geography or service provider.
Central to this transition is the proposed development of a national “Single Source of Truth” (SST) dataset. This dataset will underpin core digital services such as journey planning, entitlement verification, fares integration, and service registration. By aligning with open data principles and Transport Scotland’s digital infrastructure, the SST will form the backbone of an intelligent, responsive, and user-centric public transport environment. Critically, it will also support new digital retail solutions, consolidated applications and platforms that make it simpler for passengers to access value-based and concessionary travel offers.
Recognising the need for coherence and leadership in delivery, NSTAB strongly recommends the establishment of an authorised national governance function to oversee standards compliance, platform procurement, and system interoperability. This function will ensure coordination across Regional Transport Partnerships (RTPs), operators, local authorities, and central government, maximising economies of scale and minimising duplication. Governance proposals include the integration of entitlement systems with commercial ticketing operations to streamline service and reduce administrative burden.
The report offers Ministers a clear set of prioritised actions spanning the short (0–24 months), medium (25–60 months), and long term (60+ months). These include the immediate publication of technical standards, engagement with pilot schemes, and investment in capability to support inclusive design and digital accessibility. Importantly, there is a strong focus on protecting non-banked and digitally excluded users, ensuring that all new retail platforms comply with national accessibility benchmarks and are informed by Human-Centred Design principles.
The STAR framework presents an opportunity to deliver visible, people-first improvements to the public transport experience while laying the foundation for long-term digital transformation. Its recommendations are aligned with the National Transport Strategy 2, the Fair Fares Review, and the Climate Change Plan, providing a coordinated, cross-sector response to Scotland’s mobility and climate ambitions.
NSTAB remains committed to supporting implementation through independent oversight, technical advisory support, and ongoing engagement with delivery partners as part of the current Work Program. This report offers a strong basis for ministerial decision-making, and its recommendations are ready to be adopted and operationalised to ensure that Scotland leads the way in inclusive, integrated, and intelligent public transport.