The roll-out follows successful depot trials conducted last year
Two Arriva divisions, Southern Counties and Midlands, have rolled out contactless payments on local services.
Thanks to machines provided by Ticketer, passengers will be able to use debit and credit cards as well as Apple and Android Pay to purchase their tickets.
Vehicles at all of Arriva Midlands’ 13 depots will benefit from the technology, with Luton and Aylesbury being the first on 17 February.
Installation at the Milton Keynes, High Wycombe and Derby depots took place on 3 March, with Thurmaston, Hinckley and Wigston set to follow on 10 March, Tamworth, Cannock, Telford and Shrewsbury on 24 March and Oswestry on 31 March.
“These ticket machines are futureproofing our vehicles and modernising on-board payment,” said Regional Managing Director Mark Bowd, “which will ultimately benefit not only the passengers but our business too, as we aim to transform the perception of bus transportation and position it as a viable and attractive alternative to travelling by car.”
In the Southern Counties division, special events were held in Maidstone, Gillingham, Northfleet, Southend, Sheerness, Colchester, Stevenage, Harlow, Ware and Hemel Hampstead, where VIPs and key stakeholders – including local councillors – celebrated the new technology.
Simon Loh, Managing Director for Arriva Southern Counties, said: “As a business, we are constantly looking for ways to improve our customers’ journey.
“Following a successful trial at several depots last year, we decided to develop the service even further into more areas, as a step forward in opening up bus travel for those who do not find cash payments convenient.
“The new technology will create a faster, easier and more convenient way to pay for our customers, which in turn will help to speed up boarding time and improve the customer experience as the UK moves even closer towards being a cashless society.”
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