As of 17 September, First Bus offers contactless payment options nationwide, having successfully completed the rollout of new Ticketer machines across its 5,800-strong fleet, with all 14 operations now offering contactless as a payment option.
Since June 2017, the business has been working with Ticketer to install new ticket machines across the country, and on 17 September, First Manchester switched on the ability to offer contactless as a payment option, meaning that First Bus now offers contactless payment options nationwide.
Giles Fearnley, Managing Director of First Bus, said: “We are immensely proud to announce that we are the first national bus operator to have successfully rolled out new Ticketer machines across our entire fleet and we have already achieved 9 million contactless transactions since launching last year.
“Our entire focus is on improving our customers’ journey experience and contactless is a key milestone in delivering on this objective.
“Delivering innovation will truly transform the bus industry, as we continue to focus on successfully delivering a reliable and value for money service for our customers.”
John Clarfelt, Managing Director at Ticketer, said: “First Bus placed enormous pressure on, and faith in, us to deliver new ticket machines with contactless across their fleet in such a challenging timescale.
“The fact that today all First Bus passengers nationwide have access to the real benefits of using contactless is a milestone for the industry, and testament to the teamwork between First Bus, Ticketer and Littlepay throughout the project. It is a very proud day for everyone involved.”
