TOUGH new targets and requirements for smartcard ticketing will be imposed on bus operators using the new £40 million Pennine Reach scheme to speed journeys from Accrington to Blackburn and Darwen.

To use the new set of bus lanes and slip roads, companies will have to meet agreed timetables and punctuality standards.

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They will also have to operate a smartcard ticket system similar to London’s Oyster cards, provide real-time information screens and accept multi-operator tickets.

The new system will come into effect when the Pennine Reach project is finished in April 2015.

Only operators who agree to a new Statutory Quality Bus Partnership (SQBP) will be able to make use of the new bus lanes and road improvements and two new £5 million bus stations in Blackburn and Accrington.

Signing up to the agreement will be required to use new high-tech bus stops with real-time information screens.

Operators will also need to train staff to the highest industry standards, as well as providing low-floor and low-carbon emission buses for all routes.

In return, they will get permission to use the new routes and bus stations, use the NoWCARD system and a special system of sensors giving their buses traffic light priority.

They will also get protection from other operators trying to muscle in on their routes without meeting the tough new quality regime.

On Thursday Blackburn with Darwen borough’s executive board is due to OK officers to start drawing up the SQBP deal.

They will consult with the 12 firms, expected to sign up to use Pennine Reach, including main operator Pennine Lancashire United, to ensure the document is watertight and achievable.

It will also cover Lancashire County Council routes in Hyndburn developed in partnership with Blackburn with Darwen as part of the Pennine Reach Scheme.

On core routes between Accrington, Great Harwood, Rishton, Blackburn and Darwen operators will have to agree to a Monday to Saturday frequency of at least every ten minutes and on Sunday every 30 minutes.

Blackburn with Darwen Council regeneration boss Maureen Bateson said: “Millions of pounds are being invested in new bus stations, improved public transport infrastructure which includes latest ticketing and information technology and new bus shelters.

“So we expect from our partners using the Pennine Reach network, a range of standards to ensure a high quality service for local residents.”

Other operators expected to sign up include Darwen Coach Services, M and M Coaches, Rigby’s, Stagecoach in Lancashire, Pilkingtons, Rossendalebus, S and S Travel, Holmeswood, Arriva North-West, Tyrers and Moving People.