To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his answer of 6 December 2006, Official Report, column 412W, on fares technology, whether he expects smart card schemes outside London to be compatible with the Transport for London Oyster card. (108927)

The current Oyster card is not currently compatible with interoperable smartcard schemes using the ITSO standard being introduced elsewhere.

Research undertaken by the Department for Transport has demonstrated that it is possible for the Oyster card to be modified so that it can be used for ITSO standard ticketing. Decisions on the future of the Oyster card are for the Mayor of London.

As announced jointly with the Mayor of London on 10 May 2006, Transport for London has agreed to work with the Department to ensure that all Oyster equipment in London is capable of accepting ITSO smartcards.