Concessionary travel card definition

Definition :
A concessionary travel card allows those citizens over the age of 60 to travel on public transport free of charge or at a discounted rate.

It's estimated that there are 6 million concessionary cards in circulation, which will need to be renewed between 2011 and 2013. Large volumes of concessionary travel cards are processed on a daily basis via transport departments, travel centres and one stop shops.

As part of the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme, people over 60 can apply for a concessionary travel card in person or by post.

The first time application and renewal of these cards is a major process within public services. With the huge demand of these concessionary cards, there is the requirement to consider how the application process can be streamlined. For example moving the process online and to therefore encourage concessionary card renewals to become a self-serve solution.

With the huge number of applications come also the threat and potential risk of fraud. Moving the application online also causes risk. There is a requirement to provide electronic identity and age eligibility checks to verify the citizen's details within new online concessionary travel card applications. This verification service is something which has been launched by Unicard, a leading provider of smart card management solutions.

Related information:

Unicard with Experian's Authenticate for Public Sector solution can enable local authorities and Passenger Transport Executives (PTEs) to offer citizens a simple and easy way to apply for or renew concessionary travel cards online.

Experian provides electronic identity verification for Unicard’s online concessionary travel card application service . It facilitates a self-service portal to increase operational efficiencies and improve citizen service.

• Looking to improve your concessionary card process?
• Learn more about electronic identity verification.