Launch of the new OneCard brings smartcard technology to Waltham Forest
The launch of the new OneCard marks the first phase of the introduction of smartcard technology to Waltham Forest and its potential to become an all-in-one card for Council services for everyone.
Over 10,000 OneCards have been distributed to all Ascham Homes tenants who have previously used payment cards, allowing them to pay their rent and Council Tax at any PayPoint outlet or Post Office using a single card. The new OneCard uses the latest Oyster card technology that will enable a host of future services to be added and used by all Waltham Forest residents.
Cabinet Member for Service Modernisation, Cllr John Macklin, said: "The OneCard is an exciting, long-term project for the Council and one which we are proud to be pioneering.
"In the short-term, the OneCard will simplify the payment process for our Council tenants, reducing the need to carry lots of payment cards. It has also significant potential with the capability to add a range of Council services in the future for all residents.
"The Council is looking to the expand the use of the OneCard and to add a range of additional services to it.
"There are a lot of possibilities. We are hoping that residents will be able to use a OneCard as their leisure card for use at leisure centres, to access services at their local library, to pay for things such as school dinners, and to gain access to station bike sheds across the borough," Cllr John Macklin enthused.
Cllr Macklin said the end of the previous payment card arrangements provided the Council with an opportunity to modernise its payment arrangements and take advantage of the latest technology to improve its services to customers.
"The end of the previous arrangements meant we had to make changes to ensure residents continued to have a wide choice of payment locations. The OneCard takes advantage of modern technology to offer a better service to our residents whilst also improving financial efficiency for the Council."
Residents already issued with a new OneCard can begin using it immediately to make payments by simply visiting any PayPoint retailer or post office. You only need to hand over payment and clearly state which account you wish to pay - rent, Council Tax or sundry debt (sundry debt includes garage rent).
For information about the OneCard contact Waltham Forest Direct on 020 8496 3000, visit one of the Waltham Forest Direct shops, or visit the Council’s website at www.walthamforest.gov.uk/onecard.
