DfT and Scottish Government are currently consulting on the future of smartcards and integrated ticketing and the seminar will discuss the topics for consultation and the implications for Scottish transport.

The main speaker is Randle Cowcher, a founding director of Aicoute Consulting Ltd in Edinburgh who is a leading expert in Smartcard technology. Previously he was responsible for strategy and business development in the Commercial Development division at RBS, which supplied DfT with the central ITSO compliant operating system for UK smart ticketing and payments settlements, and the Scottish Government concessionary card scheme ITSO components. Prior to working at RBS, Randle was a managing consultant at PA Consulting, with seconded roles at the DfT in international Transport Security, and Head of Information Security for the DTI.  Earlier roles included responsibility for security design and operations of the Government Data Network, National Lottery and Channel Tunnel networks. Originally a design engineer developing components for aircraft, missiles and a Formula One racing team, he became a submariner, commanded two warships and an anti-terrorist unit. He is a regular speaker at international seminars on future financial, e-commerce and IT services.

The event will help STSG members understand the challenges and opportunities from smartcard delivery and integrated ticketing schemes.