Public Sector Roundup: Smartcards for seniors

Smartcards used to extend senior travel

The passes use ITSO standards, which were developed by the government, and are part of the rollout for smart ticketing across the country. The cards are expected to help cut fraud and help local authorities and bus operators track travel to see which operator or council is owed for each trip.

Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly said: "By introducing smartcard technology from the outset we are paving the way for full smart ticketing across the country. This would speed up boarding, cut fraud and open up the possibility of using the same pass to access a range of other local services such as libraries and leisure facilities."

Wakefield gets telehealthcare

Wakefield Council

Cllr Maureen Cummings, Cabinet Member for Adults and Health, said: "We want to do all we can to support vulnerable and older people by giving them more opportunities to be independence in their own homes."

The system is supported by the Lifeline Unit connects to a basic phone socket and alerts operators in call centres of any trouble, twenty four hours a day.

Scotland uses text alerts to fight foot-and-mouth

Scottish Government

Richard Lochhead, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment, said: "The new text message service should be particularly useful to busy farmers often out in fields and all the other groups in the livestock industry whose work means they are out and about. "This way, they can get an early heads-up on changes will direct affect them and they can plan accordingly. I hope many folk will use it."

There is no charge to receive the texts. To register, text FMD to 07781 482146.