Apparently, the government are looking at introducing travel cards on every train, bus and coach network so when I travel to Edinburgh I would swipe my travel card, this would show my travel activity and help MI5 and other security departments monitor mine and other residents travel movements.
It’s bad enough that we have CCTV every where we walk, and the over the top security at airports. I know that we have to be security conscious in an age where terrorists have the UK high on their most wanted list, but there’s taking it over the top and I think this is.
I was surprised to learn that in London, the Oyster swipe card, covering the Underground and buses, already records the details of around 17 million travellers automatically. Similar travel systems are planned across Britain, including Leeds and Edinburgh, within five years.
Anyone else think that this is outrageous?
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8 responses to “Travel cards to monitor our travel activity”
As bad as I think things get in the US, in many ways I think the UK has it worse.
I think someone in the government found a copy of 1984 and thought it was a handbook.
@ Gary
It’s crazy, I wonder how many of those 17million travellers using the Oyster card in London realise that they are being tracked by their every move.
Very much so. Using terrorism as an excuse is a joke. These types of systems are easy enough for those who are committed to get around, but tight enough to take away the freedom of the the (harmless) masses.
@ Jono
Good point, thanks for commenting.
Why don’t they just go all the way and make us have little ID chips in our arms.
@ Mary
Hahah - don’t give them any ideas! 
This is outragious but it does not surprise me neither. I think Newcastle are going to be operating a similar system to London, but I doubt that us Geordies will be as stupid as the Londoners and jump at the system.
@ Rohan
I don’t think Leeds will be far away from an electrical system but to be honest they need to put their money into improving the services rather than wasting it on traveller tagging systems.
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