A £14 million smartcard initiative to make life easier for bus and train passengers in West Yorkshire has been launched this week.

Bus and train operators, the regional transport authority Metro and the Department for Transport have joined forces to fund the new MCard.

The series of smart-enabled cards that will allow travellers to use touch-based technology across all train and bus networks.

The MCard is a joint venture between bus and rail operators and Metro who are working together to introduce smart technology. The project is being funded by £5.18 million from the bus and train operators, £3.78 million from Metro and £4.33 million from the Department for Transport.

The MCard scheme has been developed over the last 18 months and will be rolled out within two years, with all transport operators implementing upgraded smart enabled systems on board buses, and in stations throughout West Yorkshire.

A young person’s MCard has already launched, replacing the present paper ticket, which in time will enable young people to travel throughout West Yorkshire simply by touching the card of special equipment when boarding.

Transport chiefs said the use of touch-based products would make travel easier and make West Yorkshire as one of the first in the country outside of London to embark on a scheme of this size.

More MCards are set to follow both as replacements of existing cards and new cards designed for each user group. The cards will make buying travel easier with the introduction of a wide range of outlets and on-line purchasing part of the programme development.

Richard Soper, chairman of West Yorkshire Ticketing Company, said : “The launch of MCard marks a real turning point for travel in West Yorkshire and will make transport easier and a more appealing option for residents and visitors to the region.

“The launch has been planned as a phased programme as we introduce a family of smart cards designed for each user group. With the commitment and buy-in from Metro and our Bus and Rail Operator partners throughout the network we are excited about the future of travel across West Yorkshire.

“We hope that travellers will join our celebrations and support the launch of the MCard and smart tickets, which will be rolled out throughout the coming year.”