Littlepay has been selected to provide central shared broker platform capability to support integrated and account-based multi-operator contactless travel under the Department for Transport-funded Project Coral.
The supplier says its broker will remove complexity from such a ticketing offer. Passengers will be able to use multiple operators and modes with a single contactless payment method and be charged accordingly. Fares will be automatically calculated and capped to give best value, supporting the expansion of regional pay-as-you-go travel.
The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) has led development of the system. Initial deployment will be in that region focused on bus and light rail services. Future expansion is planned across other modes including heavy rail.
Transport for West Midlands Executive Director Sandeep Shingadia notes that the approach used will remove barriers and “form the backbone of a more integrated transport network, supporting our ambitions for growth, connectivity and cleaner travel, while also providing a scalable solution that can be expanded to more regions in the future.”
Development work by Littlepay will commence shortly, with initial deployment of Project Coral targeted from 2027.
Littlepay notes how the shared broker will connect operators and payment platforms. Its modular API-based infrastructure allows integration of existing systems rather than requiring replacement of them, reducing risk and accelerating rollout.
The supplier has been close to the development of Project Coral since its inception, helping to share a practical, EMV-based approach to multi-operator fare payments. The broker will provide the capability to support integrated, account-based travel at scale, Littlepay adds.
Acting in support of the work is Littlepay partner Euclid. Its Fareshare platform provides revenue apportionment, settlement and reporting across participating operators. Working alongside the broker, that ensures fares are accurately calculated, allocated, and reconciled between operators.
Littlepay notes how it already supports some multi-operator contactless implementations in the UK. But extending them across other regions has proved challenging, “particularly where there is less alignment between operators, systems, and commercial models.”
Speaking about the broker contract award, Littlepay Senior Business Development Manager Sarah McLaughlin adds: “This programme reflects a clear shift towards simpler, more passenger-focused public transport.
“The broker model makes it possible for authorities and operators to simplify travel across networks without needing to replace existing systems. It provides a practical route to expanding pay-as-you-go travel across regions and modes.
“We are proud to support WMCA in delivering a solution that builds on proven foundations and helps to move the UK towards a more joined-up approach to fare collection.”
