Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what consideration is being given to the needs of older people in the implementation of digital-only ticketing systems for public transport.

The Government is not responsible for all digital ticketing. However, when implementing any Government policy, due regard is given to the Public Sector Equality Duty and to protected characteristics, such as age, across all modes of public transport.

For those public transport systems, the Government is responsible for this includes the implementation of digital ticketing.

For public transport systems outside of Government responsibility, we are clear that consideration is needed to ensure greater uptake of smart ticketing does not result in digital exclusion, and those paying cash are still able to use transport services and are able to reap the benefits of discounted fares.