A NEW smartcard system has been launched to make it easier and cheaper to travel on Durham’s park and ride service.

The Pop pay as you go smartcards can be used on park and ride services in Durham City as well as other bus and metro services and the Shields Ferry.

All-day park and ride services will be £1.70 on the smartcard compared with the usual £2.

The new system allows people to get straight onto the bus and use the card reader without having to queue at ticket machines.

People can top up online at www.popcard.org.uk and can buy cards from Payzone stores and Travelshops in Tyne and Wear.

Cllr Neil Foster, from Durham County Council, said: “Our park and ride service offers a cheap and convenient way of getting in and out the city as well as helping to reduce congestion, meaning it’s also better for the environment.

“By working together with travel operators and other authorities, the Pop smartcard will hopefully mean easier journeys for people across the region.”