Swift smartcards are simply the latest version of multi-journey ticketing made available in the West Midlands for 47 years
Matt Lewis (left), head of Swift for TfWM, and Cllr Roger Lawrence of the West Midlands Combined Authority launching an extension of the smartcard on to the railway system.
London may have got to cashless buses first, but the West Midlands has a long record of fares innovation that continues to this day.
The PTE introduced the Travelcard in October 1972, offering unlimited travel for a fixed period. Inflation has taken its toll on the initial price of £4 for four weeks (it is around £60 these days, depending on the method of purchase), although there was a 15p registration charge then for the accompanying photocard.
