It allows customers to travel on Cardiff Bus services after having pre-paid.

[1][2] The company spent £300,000 on developing the card whose ITSO technology can be shared with other transport providers and public bodies in the future.

Those who have registered for an Iff card will be able to be sent service updates via text or e-mail during spells of bad weather.

The card would be cancelled if not used for a continuous period of one year[6] The Managing Director of Cardiff Bus hopes the online topping up service would be available by 2011.

Executive Member for Cardiff Council hopes the card would become integrated with rail companies so it could be used across all transport systems.