Panel Discussion: Beyond Islands and Bridges: Is PAYG Interoperability a Step Too Far? (Continued)

18 Mar 2026
Platform 3
  • How big is too big for PAYG? Exploring whether PAYG schemes scale safely beyond metropolitan boundaries and how fare value, journey length and issuer liability limits should influence scheme boundaries  
  • Who carries the risk when schemes connect? Debating risk allocation for cross-boundary travel, including uncovered debt, issuer liability, merchant models and whatever a single overarching merchant undermines local transport governance  
  • Does interoperability simplify or confuse the customer experience? Examining the real-world impacts on capping, statements, customer support and trust when journeys span multiple schemes, operators and settlement models  
  • Is interoperable PAYG the right problem to solve? Challenging whether full PAYG interoperability delivers enough benefit to justify its complexity, or whether a mix of clearly defined, co-existing pay-for-travel solutions is a more sustainable path forward. 
Moderator
Andrew Anderson
Andrew Anderson, Independent Advisor - Finavon Consulting
Panelist
Andy Staley
Andy Staley, Technology Director - FTR Team
Thomas Kounnas
Thomas Kounnas, Head of Digital Ticketing Services - Rail Delivery Group
Matthew Hudson
Matthew Hudson, Director - Rebel