A SMARTCARD that passengers can use to travel on both buses and trams has been launched — and it could soon be extended to trains.

The introduction of the ‘get me there’ card is the first step towards an integrated smart travel system across Greater Manchester — like London’s Oyster card.

Almost 100,000 16 to 18-year-olds are also eligible for a smart card that will half the price of a day ticket, which will launch in September.

Cllr David Chadwick, Bolton Council’s cabinet member for transport, said he is hopeful that the smart card system could be used on the region’s trains in as little as 18 months’ time.

He added: “It would be nice if we could have the buses, trams, and trains all together from the start but that is not practical.

“The automatic ticket barriers at Bolton railway station, for example, are not set up to accept the ‘get me there’ card yet.

“But this is a move in the right direction. It is a very complex situation and I know everyone is working hard on it.”

Chair of the Transport for Greater Manchester Committee, Cllr Andrew Fender, said: “I’m delighted that today we’re launching a smart ticket that allows truly flexible, multi-modal travel on Greater Manchester’s trams and buses for the first time.

“We are on a journey with get me there and smart ticketing. We know the travelling public wants a world-class, integrated, pan-Northern smart ticketing system, and this latest development brings us a step closer towards realising this ambition.”

To apply for a ‘get me there’ card visit getmethere.com or call 0161 244 1000.