SPT ticketing project manager Dan Schoenhofen has been speaking at a national conference, attended by Transport Minister Derek Mackay, to discuss the challenges and opportunities that face the passenger transport industry in Scotland.

The conference, Scottish Passenger Transport Excellence: What’s next?brought together representatives from across the industry to discuss changes ahead as passengers expectations are transformed by digital developments and opportunities.

It was a platform to discuss a range of themes including smart ticketing; reliability; safety; concessionary travel; low carbon and sustainability; and door to door transport. Scotland’s geography means that its economies and communities are served by the full range of passenger transport modes.

Within and between communities – rail, bus, ferry, air, tram and urban rail services – provide the lifeblood of daily commuter travel and enable urban, rural and remote Scotland to sustain jobs, businesses, public services and strong communities.

Dan explained: “Increasing choice for passengers is key to improving passenger transport in Scotland, we need to reduce and remove barriers and find ways to work together to ensure that journeys become as easy and simple as possible for passengers whether they use transport for work or leisure.

“In Subway, our customers already know the benefits of our Smartcard tap-on, tap-off travel with capped fares and off-site top-ups via Payzone outlets.

“Convenience, connectivity and ease of movement are key drivers towards efficient, smart cities of the future.  That’s why it is important that we recognise the opportunities and embrace emerging technologies.”