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Multi-operator smart ticketing launched for North East bus travel

Posted: 15 December 2015 | Katie Sadler, Digital Content Producer, Intelligent Transport | No comments yet

A new multi-operator smart ticketing initiative has been launched in north east England allowing travel on Go North East, Arriva and Stagecoach bus services. The initiative has been developed in the form of a smart card, known as ‘SmartZone’ which allows travel on buses operated by all three major bus companies in Sunderland, Newcastle and […]

Multi-operator smart ticketing launched for North East bus travel

A new multi-operator smart ticketing initiative has been launched in north east England allowing travel on Go North East, Arriva and Stagecoach bus services.

Multi-operator smart ticketing launched for North East bus travel

The initiative has been developed in the form of a smart card, known as ‘SmartZone’ which allows travel on buses operated by all three major bus companies in Sunderland, Newcastle and North Tyneside.

The introduction follows a pledge made last year by the country’s major bus companies to deliver multi‐operator smart ticketing to millions of bus customers across England during 2015 as part of the government’s Smart Cities initiative. 

Smart Zone products allow unlimited travel with any operator for less than £2 per day. The amount can be loaded onto a StagecoachSmart Card, Go North East Key Card and Arriva Connect Card and will be accepted on any Stagecoach, Go North East or Arriva services in Tyne and Wear, within the SmartZone area.

“Smart ticketing, better information and easier ways to buy travel are at the heart of our strategy”

Commenting on the introduction Stagecoach highlighted ‘Tyne and Wear already has one of the highest levels of bus use in the country, along with high customer satisfaction, it is hoped the new smart ticketing will encourage even more people to get on board the region’s buses.’

In a joint statement, the managing directors of the bus companies involved (Phil Medlicott, Stagecoach North East, Kevin Carr, Go North East and Nick Knox, Arriva North East) said: “Our buses are used by millions of people every year across the North East. Collectively we are investing millions of pounds in new digital technology to make it easier for people to use the bus. Smart ticketing, better information and easier ways to buy travel are at the heart of our strategy and support the government’s wider objectives to make buses better through effective partnership working.”

To find out more about the new smart ticket, please visit www.stagecoachbus.comwww.arrivabus.co.uk/nesmartzone or www.simplygo.com.

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