A NEW travelcard has been launched in Southampton in a bid to give city residents a smoother ride.

The new Solent Go travelcard provides the freedom and flexibility to hop on and off most buses and for the first time, ferries in the region, making travel in the south of Hampshire easier than ever before.

The daily, weekly or monthly “smart” electronic travelcard will launch next month, replacing the existing Solent Travelcard, and will mean passengers will not need the right cash in hand.

It is hoped the move, which has seen nine bus companies and four ferry operators sign up, will encourage more motorists out of their cars and onto public transport, cutting traffic queues and parking problems for everyone.

The smartcard will be fixed at £8 per day, £30 per week and £100 per month for almost unlimited bus travel across the region, while a selection of ferry tickets can also be added to the card.

Ferry operators participating in the travelcard scheme include Red Funnel, Gosport Ferry, Hovertravel and Hythe Ferry.

Thomas King, from Solent Transport said: “It’s great news for everyone in the south Hampshire region.

“We are confident that those who already use public transport will find their journeys quicker and easier and hope it will encourage those who have yet to try out the great public transport options in the area to give it a go.”