OneCard smartcard here to stay
The OneCard has been live in Waltham Forest since April 2007, with over 12,000 people using OneCard to pay rent and Council Tax. Payments can be made at all PayPoint outlets and Post Office counters.
Rent and Council Tax payments are just the start of a wider smartcard programme in Waltham Forest and across London. The value in a smartcard is having a number of different services accessible through a single card. Other OneCard projects are:
- Council Staff Cards - Staff across the council are now using OneCards as a combined ID and access pass.
- Schools - From September 08, the OneCard will be used in two secondary schools for staff and pupil access, e-registration and cashless payment of school meals. The BSF (Building Schools for the Future) schools are leading the way in using technology, including use of smartcards.
- Bikesheds – The three secure bikesheds in the borough will be converted to use with the OneCard. This will benefit cyclists greatly, as access to one shed will mean access to all.
- Libraries – After the success of the self-service kiosks and RFID in libraries, the next step is to use the OneCard as a library card. This will increase the self-service functionality available. We are working with other libraries in London to develop this project.
- Leisure – The addition of leisure functionality to the OneCard will give simpler access for residents to leisure centres. There is also the potential to use an e-purse on the OneCard, removing the need to take money when going swimming etc.
Waltham Forest is leading for London in the smartcard field, and other boroughs are following our lead, rolling out a variety of services. With the success of the Oyster card, Londoners have embraced smartcard technology, and the OneCard has the potential to make access to Council services much easier for all residents.
» See our Frequently Asked Questions about the OneCard for more details.
