In 1999, four small regions in Western Sweden were formed into one new and large region called V_stra G÷taland to build an internationally competitive region. Public transportation was given a major role and a new fare collection and fare structure were implemented. The four former public transportation companies became subsidiaries to the parent company: V_sttrafik AB. The company operates buses, trams, trains and ferries. The characteristics of the region, with its principal town of G÷teborg, are outlined. ERG Transit Systems were awarded the contract to develop the fare collection system. The fare collection and fare structure have been launched step-by-step, starting in March 2006 in Uddevalla. The vast majority of passengers now use the V_sttrafik card for payment. The number of public transport zones has been reduced from 275 to 60. The system uses contactless smart card. V_sttrafik is a founding member of Resekortsf÷reningen RKF, the Travel Card Association in Sweden. (Author/publisher).
Samenvatting