West Midlands payment card incentivises sustainable travel

Swift, the West Midlands’ travel card for paying for buses, trams and trains can now be used to pay for parking too.

The dedicated Swift parking app can be used at 35 car parks across the region including 29 council owned facilities in Dudley.

The Swift smart travel payment range has been developed and is operated by Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), which is part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).

Like other parking apps, Swift allows motorists to use their smartphone as an alternative to paying by card or cash. But unlike others there is no surcharge for using the Swift option.

TfWM hopes Swift parking could play a part in encouraging people to switch to more sustainable transport by introducing users to the wider range of Swift public transport products and targeting bespoke offers at motorists.

Features include checking opening times and charges before travelling, extending parking time remotely and electronic receipts and to date more than 2,000 people have signed up to the app. Work is ongoing with other local authorities and car park owners to join up.

Cllr Karen Shakespeare, cabinet member for public realm with Dudley Council, said, “We had no hesitation in adopting Swift across our car parks and it has proved popular for users.

“It could also enable us to show motorists better ways to visit Dudley – especially as we are witnessing a transport revolution with the new Metro tram line under construction, a new bus interchange station and more rapid bus services on the way.”

Cllr Kath Hartley, who chairs the WMCA’s Transport Delivery Committee, added, “Incentives, such as free or discounted fares, can also be offered to users to give public transport a try which could help us meet the challenges of congestion, pollution and climate change.”