SMART cards became compulsory in order to get a weekly bus pass on Thamesdown Transport on February 14, 2011.

A short application form is required to get the Smart card and this must be taken to the bus station information office.

A card is issued with the person’s name on it. The Smart card must be kept so that it can be topped up each week by paying the bus driver.

This is fine for regular bus users, but it is hard work getting it sorted out on the first occasion.

Many travellers found it a shock on Monday morning to find that they could no longer buy a weekly bus pass without first getting the new Smart card.

STEVE HALDEN Beaufort Green Park North Swindon