National Smart Ticketing Advisory Board - Meeting Minutes - 5 November 2024

Attendees

Chair

Dr Andrew Seedhouse (AS)

Board members

• Kirsten Urquhart: Passenger Representative (KU)
• James Gleave: Transport Strategy Advisor (JG)
• Marilena Papadopoulou: Tram Operator Representative (MP)
• Diane Burke: Ferry Operator Representative (DB)
• Hussein Patwa: Accessibility Representative (HP)
• Michael Nimmo: Subway Operator Representative (MN) - Attending virtually
• Margaret Roy: Local Transport Authority Representative (ATCO) (MR) - Attending virtually
• Ranald Robertson: Regional Transport Partnership Representative (RTP) (RR) - Attending virtually
• Mary Docherty: Transport Scotland Representative (MD) - Attending virtually

Other attendees

• Rob Hughes (Innovatious) (RH) - Attending virtually
• Steve Ramsay (Innovatious) (SR) - Attending virtually
• Alison Pilling (Innovatious) (AP) - Attending virtually
• Sheryll Ricketts (LittlePay) (SRi) - Attending virtually
• Paul Griffin (LittlePay) (PG) - Attending virtually
• Bettina Sizeland: Director of Bus, Accessibility and Active Travel (Transport BS Scotland) (SRO) (BS)
• George Beale-Pratt: Sponsor (Transport Scotland) (GBP)
• Juliet Bell: Smart Programme Manager (Transport Scotland) (JB(
• Kat Quane (Transport Scotland) (KQ)

Apologies

• Matt Smallwood: Smart Delivery Advisor (MS)
• Claire Dickie: Rail Operator Representative (CD)
• Graeme Macfarlan: Bus Operator Representative (observer) (GM)
• Mostafa Gulam: Technical Systems Advisor (MG)

Actions from the last meeting

240130-04

All members to provide feedback on any areas where they believe NSTAB should consider in relation to early wins / areas of opportunity / frustrations / known inefficiencies / members wish to be resolved, as well as examples of best practice members think NSTAB should all be aware of, to support scoping of the initial (Bronze) approach.

• 5/11 - Action closed due to Quick Wins session held on 4th October 2024.
• 10/09 - Members should bring bullet points to next session on 4th October ready to discuss.
• 21/05 - Reviewed the changes with the board at the meeting and confirm happy with the amendments. Final version to be shared before submission to the Minister on the 28th May 2024.
• 26/03 - Remains open.

241105-01

Quick Win actions.

Please see Quick Wins Progress section below.

Chair update

AS provided an update to the Board on recent activity including the Quick Wins session held on 4th October 2024. AS also attending an update meeting with Project Coral in mid-October. Project Coral moving to preliminary stages of procurement activity. NSTAB copied into sessions and will move in as appropriate. NSTAB will provide a response on the “Public Transport Ticketing Schemes Block Exemption: Consultation on the CMA's Proposed Recommendation to Government.” Sponsor has been supporting with activities including preparation for meetings with the Transport Scotland Chief Executive and Director General Net Zero in November 2024.

Transport Scotland sponsor update

GBP provided the Sponsor update including notifying members that a new team member will be taking on sponsorship of NSTAB, officially starting on 11th November 2024. GBP also updated on the recruitment for the bus operator representative. This is taking longer than expected due to the Scottish Government’s move to a new recruitment system. This meeting also marks one year since the commencement of NSTAB, and as such the Sponsor team will work with AS to issue an update to the Cabinet Secretary on the progress NSTAB has made over that time.

Consultancy update

Presentation on the Knowledge Hub

RH presented on the work Innovatious are undertaking for NSTAB with the objective to benchmark the as-is situation for smart ticketing in Scotland, identifying what works well and making judgement on value for money. This will support the identification of quick wins to recommend to Scottish Ministers. The work will also consider best practice from around the world, although no other countries operate transport in the same way as Scotland. Surveys have been issued to various ticketing schemes and transport operators to evaluate their operation including their contribution to Scottish Government policies including reducing inequality, accessibility and inclusivity, and affordability. The work is entering the analysis stage and will provide the information needed for draft report. The draft report will be discussed with the Chair and sponsor team on 21st November.

MD asked whether they have engaged with the national concessionary scheme with TS? RH stated that they were aware of that and may need further direct discussion.

HP questioned the response rate for the surveys so far. RH clarified that 50 surveys have been sent out, with 13 responses to date. These have been issued to most bus operators, Edinburgh Trams, ferry operators and local authorities and Regional Transport Partnerships.

AS asked for clarification on the relevance of international examples. SR responded stating that the situation for smart ticketing in Scotland is not really replicated internationally. Therefore, they have identified the good lessons learnt from international examples to apply to Scotland.

HP sought further information on how the work will consider inclusivity and accessibility and that it would be good to have more information on what the standards are in your approach.

SR said they are making sure they have a good accessibility information including considering the constraints with existing technology and options. HP also asked how much digital exclusion features. SR encouraged HP to reach out for further discussion on these points.

Industry presentation

Presentation on the Knowledge Hub

Littlepay presented on the work Littlepay undertakes and how they support smart integrated ticketing. Littlepay commenced operation in 2016 seeking to simplify public transit payments through partnerships and collaboration. Now operates with 400 different agencies including throughout UK. Littlepay does not just process payment but has built online and mobile e-commerce capability.

Littlepay have sought to build a better integrated experience for passengers, for example linking contactless payment information with mobility app providers so passengers have all their journey and payment information in one place. They also provide a route for loading concession entitlements which includes the user registering their bank card as a concession card on the Littlepay portal which them means the correct fare can be applied. Concessions live since 2022 in California.

Littlepay also provide a multi operator broker service that is PSP agnostic which means it will be able to integrate taps from operators that do not use Littlepay as their PSP. The broker service not a PSP but is an umbrella service with operators that want to provide integrated ticketing together. The broker service is live with Transport for Wales.

MD asked whether LittlePay has shareholders. PG stated that it is owned by an infrastructure investment fund.

JB asked whether there were any examples of the integration between Littlepay capping data and mobility apps in Scotland that could be shared. PG said that the Passenger app has travel history which could be a good example. Kentkart is a good example for concessionary travel that pulls an image to the ticket machine when a card is tapped to provide secondary confirmation.

AS asked whether any of the schemes Littlepay engage in are multi modal or just multi operator. SRi confirmed that UK ones are bus only but there is opportunity to explore this further.

Quick Wins Progress

Quick Win proposal

4 October action

Graeme Macfarlan to engage with Boards of Grasshopper, ABC and One-Ticket to establish appetite and understand next steps. Priority potentially more Grasshopper as First are on the Grasshopper Board.

Margaret Roy to engage with John Berry at Dundee Council to discuss enhancement of the ABC ticket and will keep Graeme in the loop of those discussions. Potential to also engage Tactran.

5 November update

JB spoke to John Elliot regarding OneTicket and Tripper. OneTicket is open to being digitally integrated into operator’s own apps. Also interested in extending Tripper’s geography. MR meeting with John next week (WC 11th) to discuss ABC and speaking to Tactran on 6th November.

Next Steps: JB and GM to take forward to continue engagement. MR will issue update to Board following meetings.

Quick Win proposal

4 October action

Ranald Robertson and Mary Docherty to engage to confirm readiness of the project and requirements.

Mary Docherty to keep Graeme Macfarlan in the loop and support engagement with bus operators.

5 November update

Geographic reach actually Highland-wide and is being picked up through BSIP Board. JB, MD and RR met WC28th October to discuss architecture of the product / back office. Business rules document exists but need to establish technological proposition. Confirm whether previous planned zones remain valid. Shiel Buses, Stagecoach, Highland Council buses, Stagecoach all state interest in working together.

Next steps: Confirm interest from operators, review coverage and understand utilising Grasshopper back office. RR to arrange meeting with MD and operators to discuss proposal (can include GM)

Quick Win proposal

4 October action

Claire Dickie to engage with RDG on digital PlusBus, both to understand its uptake and potential in Scotland.

Claire to keep Graeme Macfarlan engaged regarding bus requirements, and the links to digitising existing integrated bus tickets.

5 November update

AS meeting with PlusBus on Thursday and will raise potential of digital PlusBus in Scotland. Will check in again with CD to share data on usage to understand why sales are perceived to be low. Discussions previously on surveying passengers to determine potential.

Next steps: CD to update.

Quick Win proposal

4 October action

Mary Docherty to engage with Andrew Seedhouse on progressing this activity.

5 November update

Contracts and grants have been signed off. Steering group in place with draft specification and pool of technical suppliers bidding to scrutinise spec. List provided on existing digital rail suppliers to determine testing area. Group supportive of Scotland as a test area, along with an area in England. Pricing to build test product to be provided in next 3-4 weeks.

Next Steps: Scrutiny work complete by December. App to be developed by January. Testing to then take place from February. AS to keep Board up to date.

Quick Win proposal

Marketing - Interoperability & integrated ticketing

4 October action

Michael Nimmo & Mary Docherty to engage on interoperability marketing and customer processes

Kirsten Urquhart to engage with Board Members to identify opportunity for enhanced marketing, and key audiences.

5 November update

MN and MD meeting next week (WC 11th ) with further resource support from SPT to help. Issues persisting with some bus drivers not accepting unknown smartcards, so marketing is required.

Next steps: MN to send update to Board following meeting with MD.

KU and CD to explore what marketing opportunities are available with no funding. Once confirmation that interoperability is operating to a high standard, KU will progress with avenues for marketing. JB confirmed that technically the processes work, but education of drivers/customer support staff more necessary.

Next steps: KU to speak to MD and MN on tone and content of engagement/marketing lines. KU to return update to NSTAB as progress continues.

Quick Win proposal

4 October action

Mary Docherty to follow up initially with Diane Burke. Ranald Robertson, Claire Dickie and Graeme Macfarlan to be kept engaged for respective interests.

5 November update

CD, JB and DB met during WC 28th October. Ar Turas API test calls documentation will be shared with ScotRail and TS. DB is not keen on creating a bespoke platform, but instead a middleware platform that can be used with other operators.

Two procurement processes necessary which could complete by May 25. Need to consider how to engage coach/bus. Not necessarily seen as a quick win as summer 25 testing at the earliest but needs to be sustainable and still has potential.

Procurement, technical testing and then go live phases could break down timescales and achieve key milestone to create a ‘quicker’ win. Key to be honest and open about timescales and the necessary building blocks to deliver benefits. Testing working across modes.

The specific critical elements involved in designing and implementing such a platform include:

API Gateway: A centralised control point for all API traffic, ensuring security, traffic management, and versioning.

API Management: A comprehensive suite of tools for developer self-service, documentation, monitoring, and lifecycle management, ensuring that all aspects of API management are covered.

Data Transformation and Mapping: The ability to handle diverse data formats, validate data, and enrich it with additional information.

Error Handling and Logging: Robust mechanisms for error handling and detailed logging to facilitate troubleshooting and analysis.

Security: Strong security measures, including authentication, authorisation, encryption, and rate limiting.

Separate to NSTAB, but ScotRail CalMac partnership to be finalised shortly including integrated ticketing - proposed to go to Cab Sec in January 25.

Work Programme update

Work Programme tracker on Knowledge Hub

AS provided an overview of the new Work Programme tracker spreadsheet. AS asked how many members were aware of the Competition & Markets Authority consultation. MN stated he was aware, and that the CMA exemption allows Zonecard to exist and will raise topics like this in future. AS stated keenness to submit response and will share this with members prior to issue.

Sectoral Update

HP updated on the financial climate the government is in and that disability and accessibility improvements remains a priority for disabled people. HP stated he used to be a regular bus traveller but lost confidence during Covid. HP is working to rebuild confidence using bus.

RR provided an update on E-bike system in Highlands. They had noticed drop year on year on usage which was attributed to 6 weeks closer to system in Inverness. Discovered Fort William is down. Made good progress with Digital DRT on Orkney, with support from Glenfarg.

DB updated on the continued focus for CalMac on the recommendations from the Fair Fares Review including differential fares. CalMac have noticed a longer tourism season and more tourists from the USA this year.

MN updated for SPT. Subway will be getting contactless tap in tap out installed for next year.

MR: Work on Bus Futures with Transport Scotland. There has been a lot of consultation on transport and keen to be involved in solutions. Not much funding coming forward for local authorities.

MD: digital smartcard concessionary travel for NorthLink network went live on 1st April and has proven to be successful although some issues identified with adherence to processes. TS are working with the operator to resolve this. Additionally, also looking to conduct a survey to understand the impact the Under 22s free bus travel scheme has had on habit forming and continued use of bus for those 23 and older. Ticketing is an area focus for bus futures and TS are consulting with CPT colleagues which will inform a business case for Scottish Ministers. Digital Travel Data Services has launched a new Traveline Scotland website and app. Launched 1.0 in late summer, following phases to launch over coming months.

MP: Contactless tap in tap out expected to launch at the beginning of 2025. Currently at the testing stages. Edinburgh Trams are also working with Edinburgh City Council on the next business case for future extensions.

Next steps & AOB

Proposed date for next meeting: 14 January 2025 (Edinburgh Trams depot)