| From this week, Dundonians of all ages will be able to load money onto a sQuid card, then use this “electronic purse” to pay for small items, such as newspapers, magazines or snacks. The cards could eventually be used on buses.
Sid Bulloch is the Dundee-based National Entitlement Card manager. He said making small purchases would be made much more flexible under the new scheme.
“Young people will be able to present the card for school services, leisure and library services and be able to make small purchases on it,” he said.
“People who have got the card for concessionary travel will be able to do the same thing without changing their card too.”
Dundee is the first Scottish city to benefit from the scheme, following a trial in Bolton.
Brand new sQuid eMoney National Entitlement cards will be sent to 5000 Young Scot cardholders in the city over the coming days, but the organisers have stressed the scheme is open to anyone.
Concessionary bus pass holders will be sent information about how they can upgrade their cards in the New Year, while other city dwellers can visit one of several card-issuing outlets to pick up theirs.
Dundee’s members of the Scottish Youth Parliament, Laura Gorman and Andrew MacQueen, were at the launch in City Square today. They welcomed the introduction of the new card.
Laura said, “I think it’s going to be safer. Instead of carrying money, it’s all going to be on your card. And Dundee is at the forefront of it — so it’s quite exciting.”
Andrew said, “I think it will be the next generation of money. Some young people don’t have bank accounts and this is a different way to do things.”
John Gallacher, regional manager for sQuid, told the Tele that he expected the card to catch on before the system spreads throughout Scotland.
“We’ve got over 200 points of presence in Bolton and are looking to work with travel providers there early next year. Take up has been fantastic so I’m sure it will take over here.”
More information about the scheme is available from www.squidcard.com/dundee. |
