iPhone NFC update brings smartcard benefits to South Yorkshire

Passengers in South Yorkshire have become some of the first in the UK to benefit from the enhanced near-field communication (NFC) features introduced with the release of iOS 13 for iPhone.

NFC is used by smart devices to load information onto a smartcard, but until now, passengers could only load travel tickets bought online to a card through an Android device. This has changed with the release of iOS 13 as the TravelMaster Download App has been made available on the App Store for iPhone users to install to their devices.

A statement from TravelMaster said that South Yorkshire is amongst the first places in the world offering passengers the ability to load a travel ticket to a smartcard through an iPhone. As a result, over 95 per cent of smartphone users in South Yorkshire, across Apple and Android devices, can now buy flexible multi-operator transport tickets for the region at their own convenience and before they travel.

Matt Smallwood, Director and General Manager of TravelMaster, said: “I am over the moon that we are able to offer our customers the ability to download products bought online through an iPhone. Providing this long-awaited compatibility from day-one of it being possible means that we will be amongst the first smart ticketing schemes in the UK, and potentially in the world, delivering an iPhone compatible ticket download platform.

“TravelMaster has an envious reputation as a leader in its field and this is yet another huge achievement for the region alongside a massive enhancement for our customers. Through doubling the number of people who can access some of the UK’s lowest priced travel tickets, it is now easier than ever to purchase flexible travel by bus, tram and train in South Yorkshire well before it is needed on board.”

To purchase and load tickets, passengers will select and pay for it online at sytravelmaster.com using a valid Debit or Credit Card and their purchased ticket is then loaded to a smartcard using the TravelMaster Download App.

This is the latest element of TravelMaster’s extensive eCommerce programme which is being delivered to make it easier for customers to travel around the region.