BOLTON could soon have its own version of the London Oyster card in a bid to encourage people to get on board with public transport.

Greater Manchester has been given £32.5 million by the government to make it easier for people to use the bus, trains and trams.

Transport chiefs have earmarked part of the handout to support a smart ticketing project in which cards — like those used in London — could be used to access all public transport.

Cllr Andrew Fender, chairman of the Transport for Greater Manchester Committee, insisted the plans had all the right ingredients for success.

He said: “They will build directly on the projects being delivered by the Greater Manchester transport fund by promoting travel access across the expanded transport system.

“We want to get more people into work, to broaden our talent pool, to reduce the burden of congestion on business, to reduce our carbon emissions and to improve the health of people in Greater Manchester.We talked to a host of organisations and businesses about our plans and discovered a clear need, opportunity and desire for what’s proposed, so we are delighted that the government has seen the full value of what we’re offering by approving £32.5 million of funding.

“Together with local contributions, we will be delivering a £53 million investment programme that will bring real benefits to the economy, the environment and the health of residents — all of which lie at the heart of what is an achievable and results-driven package.

“This will bring people, jobs and enterprise together with a well-connected, integrated and greener transport system so today’s announcement really is great news.”

The grant will also be used to fund walking and cycling schemes as well as improving the efficiency of traffic lights and providing real-time information using the internet and smartphone apps.