Executive Summary

The National Smart Ticketing Advisory Board (NSTAB) is a statutory advisory body established to provide independent, evidence-based recommendations to Scottish Ministers on the strategic and technical standards required to deliver an integrated smart ticketing ecosystem across Scotland’s public transport network. NSTAB’s remit encompasses all transport modes and prioritises accessibility, interoperability, environmental sustainability, and social inclusion.

This report outlines a comprehensive strategic framework for the advancement of smart ticketing in Scotland, anchored in national transport and climate policy. It sets out the standards, governance models, technical architecture, and timelines necessary to build a multi-modal, interoperable and inclusive smart ticketing system inclusive of bus, rail, ferry, coach, tram and metro services. The work is aligned with overarching government objectives, including the National Transport Strategy 2 (NTS2), the Climate Change Plan, and the Fair Fares Review.

The STAR (Standards and Technology Advisory Report) Report proposes a clear work programme structured across three implementation phases: short-term (0–24 months), medium-term (25–60 months), and long-term (60+ months). The plan recommends a standards-led approach to transition to a nationwide Account-Based Ticketing (ABT) model capable of accommodating multiple token types, including smartcards, barcodes, contactless EMV (cEMV), and mobile solutions. This transition will maintain customer choice while driving system efficiencies and cost savings.

A major technical recommendation is the development of a national “Single Source of Truth” (SST) dataset to underpin journey planning, fares integration, entitlement validation, and real-time information across all platforms. The SST dataset will be made available under open licence and will support the consolidation of digital retail interfaces to promote accessibility and ease of use. NSTAB advises full implementation by the end of the medium term.

On governance, NSTAB advocates for the establishment of an authorised body to oversee national smart ticketing development, including procurement oversight and standards compliance. It recommends streamlining procurement processes across regional and modal boundaries to enable economies of scale and ensure compliance with evolving standards in ticket retail equipment, customer service, and digital accessibility. Specific attention is paid to accessibility and social equity, including robust standards for customer support, inclusive design, and provisions for un-banked users. NSTAB advises that non-compliant schemes be upgraded or reported to a standards body, and that all new retail platforms meet best-practice digital accessibility benchmarks.

This report provides Ministers with a pragmatic, technically informed pathway to delivering on Scotland’s ambition for a seamless, affordable, and inclusive public transport ticketing experience. NSTAB remains committed to supporting implementation through independent advisory oversight and continued engagement with stakeholders across the public and private sectors.