SO-CALLED “smart” tickets which can be used across the county, regardless of who operates the local bus service, could be introduced in Nottinghamshire.

The County Council has launched a consultation this week to find out what local people think to the idea.

The Council’s transport and highways committee gave its support last year to the idea of implementing integrated ticketing schemes which give passengers the option of buying just one ticket which can be used across a number of services and enable a seamless transfer between buses – regardless of whichever company is operating them,

Such a ticket would be similar to the Oyster card which has been used successfully in London for some years now and would help speed up journey times and reliability.

It would also help encourage more people to use local us services, helping to reduce congestion and reduce harmful emissions.

There are a number of integrated tickets already available in Nottinghamshire, including the Kangaroo ticket for which the County Council is a partner with Nottingham City Council.

The idea is that in the Greater Nottingham area further integrated ticketing should build on the success of the Kangaroo. Elsewhere, a phased approach is planned due to the many different bus networks centred around the county’s market towns.

The consultation runs from now until January 2 next year and people can comment on the draft strategy by calling 0300 500 8080; emailing [email protected]; or by visiting the County Council website at www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/thecouncil/democracy/have-your-say/consultations/