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First Bus to rollout contactless payment technology

Posted: 10 January 2017 | Katie Sadler, Intelligent Transport | No comments yet

First Bus has confirmed plans to introduce contactless payment technology allowing passengers to travel with contactless debit and credit cards.

First Bus to rollout contactless payment technology

Credit: First Bus

First Bus has confirmed plans to introduce contactless payment technology allowing passengers to travel with contactless debit and credit cards.

First Bus to rollout contactless payment technology

Credit: First Bus

The contactless payment technology will compliment smartcard and mobile payment (mTickets) mechanisms already introduced on First Bus operations. It is hoped the new payment method will reduce the use of cash on buses and speed up boarding times and services.

First Bus to trial contactless payment technology in Bristol

A contactless pilot scheme is due to go live in Bristol this month on Brislington and Portway Park and Ride services. Roll out will then continue over a two year period with First Bus working in partnership with city and regional partners such as Transport for the North and Transport Scotland, Combined Authorities and local authorities.

Commenting on the introduction, Managing Director of First Bus, Giles Fearnley, said: “It’s important that our customers understand and embrace the new contactless payment technology.  This we feel will be done best working with partners and other operators to clearly communicate the advantages of the new technology in wider multi operator schemes.” 

The introduction forms part of the operator’s plans to transform its customer experience through new technology, having already invested in mTickets, free on board Wi-Fi and an on-line journey planner. 

“The introduction of contactless payment alongside our success with mobile ticketing is pivotal as we continue to make bus travel a convenient, simple and attractive experience”

Giles Fearnley continued: “The introduction of contactless payment alongside our success with mobile ticketing is pivotal as we continue to make bus travel a convenient, simple and attractive experience for our customers, despite the ever increasing congestion that we face in most of our operations across the UK.

“We are determined to transform the experience for all our customers.  The combination of journey planning, free Wi-Fi, real time information, mTickets and now contactless payment really does demonstrate how technological advances are making the bus an increasingly attractive option.”

Melanie Johnson, Chair of The UK Cards Association, added: “Following the great success of contactless ticketing in London, the cards industry has worked with transport operators to explore its introduction across the UK. Using contactless cards for travel will bring many benefits for First Bus passengers, such as no longer having to buy and collect paper tickets or worry about having enough cash, and we are pleased with this development.”

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