GREATER Manchester transport chiefs are moving a step nearer to introducing Smartcards as a way of passengers paying for journeys.

Smartcards were first trialed in Bolton five years ago and were hailed a success in terms of public acceptance and potential usage.

But improvements were needed to make them more robust and practical for bus operators to use.

The idea behind the Smartcards, which look similar to credit cards, is for passengers to move freely between different operators and forms of transport with minimum disruption.

Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority has now agreed to hold further talks with Smartcard's developers, ERG.

A detailed report, to be completed later this year, has been commissioned to look into the implications of the new technology.

The report's £119,000 cost is being funded jointly by the Department for the Environment, Transport and the Regions and the Integrated Transport Smartcard Organisation.

Cllr Joe Clarke, chairman of GMPTE, said: "We are committed to bringing the best technology into the public transport network as soon as possible.

"I believe introducing Smartcards will be a huge leap forward."

Transport bosses hope Smartcards will eventually replace all passes and permits.

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