An IT System That Actually Works !!!

I recently lost my Freedom Pass ( concession travel for those 60 and over ) so I rang the helpline number ( 0845 275 7054 ) to find out how to get a replacement.

I was asked for my name and date of birth and the man at the other end brought me up from his database. He confirmed my address and said the a replacement card would arrive in between 3-10 days. That was it !

The pass arrived four days later.

Why can't other computerised public service systems ( NHS medical records, Fire Service Control Centres, Parking Permit, Olympic ticket sales ) be equally efficient ?

My only niggle is that the replacement Freedom Pass has my photograph on it so there is a database somewhere that ties in my digitised picture with my name, date of birth and address. It would be a short step to link this data to the street CCTV cameras and facial recognition. But this would never happen, would it ? Or should I grow a moustache ?

But hats off to the London Councils Freedom Pass service.