West Yorkshire’s ‘game changing’ multi-operator smart ticketing app released

One of the first of its kind in the UK, the app is being credited as being a ‘game-changer’ in the way customers in West Yorkshire choose to buy their travel. It 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.

“Ease and convenience is key to delivering an outstanding customer experience, and we believe our app will provide just that,” said Richard Armitage, Chairman of the MCard scheme. “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.”

Due to the app’s ability to read all available ITSO products, it is possible for the MCard to issue new ticket types and pricing on the fly which is convenient to both passengers and transport companies.

The app, which has been developed by Molten Mouse, has already seen 3,100 downloads since it was released last month.

“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,” added Paul Hayes, CEO for Molten Mouse. “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.”

The app is free to download from Google Play store and customers can purchase and upload day, weekly, monthly and annual 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.

“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,” concluded Cllr Keith Wakefield, West Yorkshire Combined Authority Transport Committee Chair. “The app is another milestone for us, and we are very proud to be see it leading smart card travel in the North.”

MCard is run by the country’s bus and rail operators and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA).