皇冠体育app

Research published today examines smartcard schemes that local authorities have implemented. 皇冠体育app research draws together good practice and learning points as they relate to smartcard scheme implementation.

皇冠体育app review explores a range of issues, including the types of services included within smartcard schemes; citizen participation in schemes; use of data to improve services; dissemination of information to users and prospective users; communications activities and messages; and how schemes have been evaluated.

Key Findings

Local authorities鈥� motivations for introducing smartcards can be grouped broadly into intended benefits for users, and intended benefits for authorities themselves.

Smartcards can give users simplified access to services.聽 This has the potential to improve quality of life, where access allows the user to benefit independently from local services.

Schemes tended to follow two broad models: 鈥榞eneralist鈥� cards, available to all residents, and 鈥榮pecialist鈥� cards intended to meet a specific need for a defined subset of the population.

A principal benefit of smart delivery is the ease with which services can be joined together.聽 This entails using the smartcard to access one service, while simultaneously promoting take-up and awareness of another.

Card services were not typically aimed at older people specifically, although those in this group were frequent users of certain services, particularly concessionary bus travel.聽 Only in rare cases had authorities marketed to older people specifically.

Local authorities鈥� encouragement of card take-up was often 鈥榩assive鈥�; for example, increasing schemes鈥� appeal by adding new services.聽 皇冠体育app degree of 鈥榓ctive鈥� promotion varied, but was typically low.

Both internal and external factors can influence the long-term sustainability of schemes.聽 Sufficient funding is imperative.聽 皇冠体育app approach of the scheme managers and the support of the wider authority can both play key roles in schemes鈥� success.

Notes to Editors:

1. Research Report Series 738 鈥楨vidence review of smartcard schemes in local authorities鈥� can be found at:
2. 皇冠体育app authors are Andrew Wood, Kate Downer and Annalise Toberman from RS Consulting Ltd.