Nottingham’s answer to the Oyster travel card will be called the Robin Hood Smartcard.
Nottingham City Council has released the first pictures of the card ahead of its offical launch on Monday, December 14.
It is designed to create a hassle-free way of getting around Nottingham on bus or tram – even when using different transport operators.
The cards will be available at ‘Robin Hood Network’ ticket machines from Monday – new dispensers being installed around the city including Old Market Square.
Cards will be free when first issued – passengers just have to top them up using credit cards.
A single trip on one day will be £1.70 with any operator. Unlimited day trips can be made for £3.15 from any one given operator or £4 for more than one operator. The minimum top-up on the card will be £10.
In depth: Robin Hood Smartcard – passengers’ questions answered
Councillor Nick McDonald, portfolio holder for growth, jobs and transport at the council, said: “This is a really exciting development and further underlines our commitment to providing a world-class public transport system for Nottingham.
“An integrated travel card of this type has never been done before outside London and I’m delighted that we’ve been able to work with our commercial partners to make it happen.”
Robin Hood Smartcard: What are the charges?
Single trip, any operator: £1.70
Day fare cap – unlimited number of trips;
Any one given operator: £3.15
More than one operator: £4.00
The Robin Hood card will be valid for travel on Nottingham Express Transit (tram), Nottingham City Transport (NCT) – including Pathfinder and South Notts buses – Kinchbus, Trent Barton and the City Council’s Linkbus network (including park and ride) within Nottingham.
Shops such as travel centres and newsagents and tram stop machines will start selling the cards in the new year.
More ‘Robin Hood Network’ ticket machines will also be added.
The scheme has been funded by a £2.5 million Department for Transport grant.