March 2015
Subway Smartcard users can now buy tickets in shops around Glasgow
Payzone outlets across Glasgow now offer pay as you go top-ups as well as the ability to buy Subway season ticket products at convenience stores and newsagents around the city.
Smart card holders can now top up at Payzone outlets, selected due to their proximity to Subway stations, giving even more access to the Subway – as well as buying tickets in stations.
The credit or travel season ticket is uploaded directly to the smart card using contactless technology in Payzone terminals similar to that used by payment terminals in coffee shops.
The move is possible thanks to the flexibility of the smart technology used in the Subway Smartcard, called Bramble, delivered by the joint venture partnership between SPT and Rambus Ecebs called Nevis Technologies. 
This is part of a wider vision to deliver even greater convenience to public transport customers through the use of smart technology. Future deployments could include topping up online or remotely through smartphones.
David Braddock, Director of Nevis Technologies commented: “The integration with Payzone makes it even easier for travellers to get their tickets or top-ups. Uploading straight to your smartcard but away from the station is something we know people want – it’s very simple and convenient and helps to avoid queues at stations during peak periods. All you need is a Subway smart card and the Bramble technology will do the rest.
“We have started this process with 45 Payzone outlets located near Subway stations. The long term vision is to embrace technology still further and find new ways to make everyone’s life a little easier. So watch this space.”
Uptake of the Subway smart card continues to increase, with around 100,000 ‘smart’ journeys taking place on the Subway every week.
Damian Scholes, Business Development Director from Payzone added: “Payzone is an easy way to add travel at your convenience in your local shops. Payzone has enabled a number of outlets at locations close to Subway stations which are open, early morning or late into the evening seven days a week. Payzone has been delivering Smart Ticketing services across the whole of the UK and is delighted to be working with Nevis Technologies and we look forward to delivering further services together.”
