THE government has announced plans for a hi-tech smart ticketing system for trains, buses and trams across the North of England similar to that included in East Lancashire’s Pennine Reach public transport scheme.

The proposal, similar to London’s Oyster Card, is part of a multi-billion pound overhaul of transport across the region.

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It includes major rail schemes, linking the North’s big cities like Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds and Newcastle, as well as major motorway improvements.

Blackburn with Darwen transport boss Maureen Bateson welcomed the regional smart ticketing promise.

It is a key part of the £40 million project to speed bus journeys between Hyndburn, Blackburn and Darwen.

Councillor Bateson also promised to ensure when the details of the new Northern Transport Plan were hammered out East Lancashire would not be left out.

Already major rail schemes, including upgrading the Clitheroe, Blackburn and Darwen to Manchester Victoria line and reopening the Todmorden Curve, are under way.

Electrification of the routes and the East Lancashire line are in draft form as are improvements to the M65 from Preston to Colne.

The latest package includes bringing the high-speed HS2 line to Crewe sooner than planned and accelerating the construction of the route between Leeds and Sheffield.

There are also plans for widening sections of the M6 and M62, and there are plans for better connections to Manchester Airport and improvements to Simister Island at the Southern end of the M66 into Rossendale.

The blueprint also creates a new Transport for the North body like Transport for London.

It says: “A world class Northern transport network should be supported by a ticketing system that makes it simple and easy to travel between city-regions.

“A single smart ticketing solution that works on all modes of public transport right across the region.”

Cllr Bateson said: “This proposal fits with our Pennine Reach smart-ticketing system to make it easier for East Lancashire travellers to use public transport right across the North of England.

“I will ensure that this proposal is not just about big cities in the North.

“The major rail and motorway improvements under way or under discussion for East Lancashire will be part of this ambitious blueprint.”