AN INNOVATIVE smart card offering a total mobility solution has won a fleet manager a top national award. Gerard Finn, fleet financial manger at the Prudential, picked up the Good Idea Award at the Integrated Transport Awards by suggesting a pay-as-you-go card to cut out the hassle of buying tickets for transport.

Finn, who works alongside Prudential fleet manager Terry Simcock helping to look after 2,500 vehicles, believes one of the most important things a fleet manager can do is go forward. He said: 'The role of the fleet manager is bigger than just ordering cars. We need to look at a total transport solution that includes public transport.'

The concept of the smart card is similar to the system used in pre-paid mobile phones and would see drivers paying for journeys using pre-paid vouchers or charge cards. Access gates at stations would read and debit the smart cards. A driver's account could be topped up either by purchasing more vouchers or using WAP technology to transfer funds.

But Finn is confident the changing role of the fleet manger will not herald the death of the company car. According to Finn, total mobility will see the role evolve and develop. 'It's important for fleet operators to recognise the developments taking place and take the opportunity to drive on,' he said.