A new flexible, contactless ticketing system that promises to save City Red customers in Southampton time and money was launched on 12 July. Passengers can now use their contactless device such as a bank card, smartphone or smartwatch to tap on when they board the bus and also tap off when they alight; as long as they remember to tap off, the system will automatically work out the best and cheapest fare.
Marc Reddy, Managing Director of City Red operator First Hampshire Dorset & Berkshire, said: “At a time of rising costs for customers, in particular fuel costs, we want to help by offering the best value for travel in and around Southampton by City Red bus. Whether customers use the bus every day, make more than one journey in the day or travel a few days a week, tap on tap off will ensure everyone automatically gets the best and most cost-efficient ticket without any bother. This proves yet again that getting around our city is greener and cheaper by bus than by car.”
Tap on tap off, which replaces the operator’s previous ‘tap & cap,’ can also be used on Solent Ranger services X4 & X5 within the Southampton zone.
John Clarfelt, founder of Ticketer’s which provided the system, commented: “We are excited to see First go live with a further roll out of Ticketer tap off readers. Having worked closely with the First team to ensure a smooth implementation, we are delighted that its customers in Southampton will now be able to benefit from an enhanced, yet simpler, ticketing and fare calculation system.”
