Pop card expansion planned for later this year

Testing of the new system is expected to start soon, Nexus said

The Pop card ticketing system could become standardised across public transport in north-east England later this year.

Tyne and Wear Metro operator Nexus has confirmed it is aiming to launch an improved pay-as-you-go smart card system in the autumn.

The upgrades will see the daily price cap extend to local buses and the Shields Ferry, making cheaper fares more accessible.

Helen Mathews, Commercial Director at Nexus, said testing of the new Pop card features would start soon.

"The development of these improvements is already under way and a testing phase will be starting soon, ahead of a potential launch date later this year," Ms Matthews said.

The expansion of the daily price cap is expected to help more passengers access cheaper fairs

Although Pop cards can be used on Metro trains, buses and the Shields Ferry, they work differently on each mode of transport.

On the Metro, Pop cards automatically calculate the correct fare but on buses they are used to pay for specific tickets.

On the Shields Ferry, customers can purchase cheaper single and day tickets using their card.

There had been calls to introduce a smart ticketing system to simplify public transport, with Nexus confirming a project was being developed in late 2023.

"We will keep customers well informed about these new features and what they will need to do well in advance of the start date," Ms Matthews said.