TRANSPORT chiefs have revised plans for 'smart' travel in Greater Manchester after a contract with key service supplier Atos was terminated.

A report said revised service could be in place by the end of the year and will include:

• introducing a smart phone app, enabling passengers to buy and download Metrolink tickets through their smartphone;

• upgrading of the network’s 250-plus ticket machines so people can use contactless bank cards to buy printed tickets.

On the buses measures include supporting the principal bus operators’ (Arriva, First and Stagecoach) introduction of smart ticketing in Greater Manchester by:

* enabling passengers to load a range of pre-paid travelcards onto smartcards for use on bus services across Greater Manchester;

* assisting smaller bus companies in being part of the smart ticketing future too by ensuring they have the right on-board kit and back-office connections.

Councillor Andrew Fender, chairman of the TfGM Committee, said: “These initiatives will benefit tram and bus passengers and will make these travel choices more appealing options in future,"