SmartCities card
The SmartCities card is a multifunctional card that allows you to access a number of different services in Southampton. It can be your:
Anyone can apply for a SmartCities card, though to apply for the Get Active subscription or the Concessionary Bus Pass, you will need to be a resident of Southampton City Council.
Itchen Toll Bridge
You can apply online for a SmartCities card to pay the toll on the Itchen Bridge. The card can be topped up online, so you won't need to handle any cash when crossing the bridge. If you are a resident of Southampton City Council i.e. you live in a property where Council Tax is paid to Southampton City Council, your card will apply the residents' discount when you use it to cross the bridge.
To find out about the disabled person’s concession please see our information about travel for disabled people
Adding credit to your Itchen Bridge account
View or top up your Itchen Bridge account
Contactless payment
Contactless payments are now accepted on the Itchen Bridge.
There is one card reader in place on each booth that will take both the contactless and SmartCities Card payments.
The upgrade means that a small number of older SmartCities Cards will need replacing. If you are one of these card holders we will have sent you an email and a text message already with instructions to contact us so that we can send you a new card.
If you haven’t received this message and your SmartCities Card did not work then we may have out of date contact information for you. If your card does not work please use our form, we will send you a new card in the post:
Before you fill in this form
You won't be able to save this form to complete later, so please allow yourself at least five minutes to fill in the form.
You will need to supply:
Account number (10 digits – at back of card)
Address
Date of birth
Bus pass
The SmartCities card can give you access to the English National Concessionary bus pass. This entitles eligible residents of England to travel for free on any eligible service within England. This includes the Isle of Wight but does not include Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Channel Islands or Isle of Man.
The English National Concessionary bus pass can be used by senior citizens and disabled persons to travel free anywhere in England when boarding a bus between 9:30am and 11pm Monday to Friday, and at any time on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays.
If your bus pass has been issued by Southampton City Council, you can also use it when boarding a bus within the city's boundary between 9am and 12:30am Monday to Friday.
Get Active subscription
Residents living within the council boundary, who are in receipt of some benefits, are entitled to discounted activities with a Get Active subscription on their SmartCities card. The discount applies during off-peak times in participating leisure venues in Southampton.
- Active Nation leisure venues and activities
- Southampton Municipal Golf Course
- Allotments - The Get Active subscription will also give you a discount from your rental or your allotment plot if you are not already receiving a discount.
The application form tells you which documents are required and where to apply in section 8.
Evidence of qualification for the Get Active subscription is required every 12 months.
Libraries
Your SmartCities card can give you access to the libraries in Southampton. You will be able to use the card to borrow, renew, and reserve items including books, DVDs, CDs and more, as well as gain access to the Digital Library.
Simply see a library staff member to confirm your membership before first use.
If you can't apply online you can apply via:
- Print out the SmartCities application form
- Forms are also available from a Southampton City Council Library or Gateway
Read the terms and conditions for the SmartCities card and its services.
For further assistance please contact us.
