Smartcard information

The next generation of rail ticket has arrived on the Edinburgh to Glasgow Queen Street route and will soon be rolled out to further routes across our network. It's fast and efficient, incorporates SMART ticketing technology, easy to use and a simpler way to travel.

About Smartcard

A Smartcard is the size of a normal credit card and contains an electronic chip which allows rail tickets to be stored and read electronically. Smartcards provide us with a new, and more convenient way of delivering rail ticketing. Smartcard technology is already being used by other transport operators, most noticeably in the UK through the London Underground Oyster Card.

We have introduced Smartcard initially on the Edinburgh - Glasgow Queen Street via Falkirk High route where Season Tickets are now available using this new form of ticketing. This introduction has proven successful and we now want to ensure many more of our Season Ticket customers can benefit from this new form of rail ticketing. Look out for our network roll out campaign in the months ahead and see how you can benefit.

So what are the benefits of a Smartcard?

Smartcard customers can look forward to a number of key benefits as soon as they receive their card:

Durable - as Smartcards are made from plastic, their durability is higher than paper and so the need for replacement paper Season Ticket, as well as ticket rejection at station ticket gates will both reduce.

Faster - getting around stations is faster as Smartcards operate ticket gates at key stations and also removes the need to queue at stations.

Convenient - Smartcard Season Tickets purchased online can be collected as you travel, even from the ticket gates as you pass through the station.

Transparent - Smartcard customers can access their Smartcard account online showing recent journeys and transactions.

Buy your Smart Season ticket online now.

To make Smart ticketing even easier, we've now added the option for you to buy your Season Ticket online, meaning you can stroll through the station, and by simply presenting your card on the gate, your ticket will load automatically, and you can start your journey with us. No fuss, no hassle, just seamless travel.

Tickets bought online by 6 p.m. can be collected the following day and you can buy weekly, monthly or any duration up to an annual, giving you total flexibility. If you travel from a station without gates, you can load your ticket at a Platform Validator or Ticket Vending Machine.

To buy your Smart Season ticket, just click the buy season ticket tab on the journey planning tool on the right hand side or visit our Smartcard site to find out more.

Interested?

To apply online:

You can apply for your own personal Smartcard immediately by clicking here and completing our simple application form; you can even upload your passport style photograph as well. This should only take you a few minutes to complete.

Things you should know…

During the application process we will ask you for a few personal details such as name, address and email.
The supply of some of this information is compulsory and where this applies, an asterisk is shown.
You will need to upload a clear, photograph of yourself to complete your application. This needs to be of passport standard and no bigger than 1Mb in size.
Before your application can be processed, you will receive an email from noreply@card.co.uk which will invite you to validate your application. Your application cannot be processed until you have done this. Please make sure this address is in your whitelist or address book to avoid it ending up in your spam folder.
Processing times vary but you should expect to receive your Smartcard within 7 working days along with details on how to use your new Smartcard.

FAQs

How does Smartcard work?

Tickets can be uploaded to your Smartcard via ticket vending machines located at all stations on the route. You then ‘hold and hover’ your card over the yellow target at the ticket barrier or platform validator to access or exit a station. When on-train, just present your Smartcard to the condutor.

Why has this route been chosen for the pilot?

We know from customer analysis that those travelling on the Edinburgh to Glasgow Queen Street via Falkirk High route have a keen interest in adopting any new technologies that will save them time and improve convenience. Smartcard ticketing is ideally placed to address this demand.

Can I use my card on any ScotRail route?

No. This customer trial is only valid on the Glasgow Queen Street to Edinburgh via Falkirk High route at this point.

What if I want to cancel my card? Will I get a refund?

Yes, just call us and we will terminate the card and you will be refunded for any remaining value on the card, subject to normal administration charges.