Less than six months after it launched, Arriva’s contactless payment system has issued its 100,000th ticket.
The operator’s Guildford depot was the first to introduce contactless in the Southern Counties, utilising Ticketer’s Electronic Ticket Machines (ETMs).
Cornelie Alecsandrescu was the fortunate driver who sold the milestone ticket, taking the payment on Saturday, April 28 at 1648hrs; Arriva presented him with a certificate to mark the occasion.
The system allows users to pay quickly, easily and securely via debit or credit cards as well as Apple and Android Pay.
Cornelie said: “I’m thrilled to be the one to take the 100,000th payment. The introduction of contactless payments has really helped to make the experience of the customer and driver far better.
“Customers don’t always have the right money to hand and the contactless payments provide a far easier way to travel, saving time and resulting in a more efficient service overall.”
Oliver Monahan, Area Managing Director for Arriva Kent and Surrey, added: “Our contactless payment trial at Guildford depot has been a great success and a step forward in opening up bus travel for those who do not often carry change.
“The move has helped create a faster, easier and more convenient way to pay for our customers in Guildford and the surrounding areas, which in turn has helped to speed up boarding time and improve journey times.”
