How's this all work then?

MyHomeTown has been selected by government to pilot the project in Wigan Greater Manchester, to test the concept. Funding of £242,000 has been committed to the project by the Technology Strategy Board, a non-departmental government body.

The initial partners are a shopping centre operator, a bus company, a transport consultancy, and a Smartcard technology company that specialises in contactless technology (like London's Oyster Card).

The MyWigan Clubcard will cost nothing for individuals to obtain and use and will be supported on the internet and on mobile phones. It takes the form of a card or pendant that 'beeps' the transaction when held close to a terminal machine.

A variety of organisations in Wigan already use Smartcards - Wigan FC, Wigan Rugby League FC, Wigan Council's leisure services, Arriva buses, the local library and so on. MyHomeTown will just connect them all together onto a MyWigan Clubcard and offer them the chance to work together and share cross-selling opportunities. Retail chains have not yet been approached but are an immediate priority.