Ticketer has upgraded 100% of Guernsey bus services’ Electronic Ticket Machines (ETMs), operated by CT Plus, so that they now accept contactless payments. The Ticketer ETMs are the first on the island to go contactless.
The machines accept contactless payments from enabled cards, smart phones and other devices such as watches or wristbands.
John Clarfelt, Managing Director of Ticketer, commented: “Since we first launched it just over two years ago, contactless ticketing has transformed the way passengers use bus services.
“Now passengers can pay in whichever way suits them and they no longer require the exact change to travel. It makes bus travel more convenient and more accessible, and because transactions are much faster it speeds up boarding times and reduces queues.”
Kevin Jackman, Operations Manager for CT Plus Guernsey, said: “Contactless payments have created greater options for all passengers, we have already seen an uptake from our nightbus passengers and also from visitors to the island.
“The fact that payments can also be made by wearable smart technology is going to be something that will no doubt help continue the already positive trend from taking the bus with a school pass to then, as an adult, continuing to use the bus for commuter travel.”
Ticketer says it has seen a ‘huge surge’ in demand for contactless payments. In other areas of the country, the use of contactless cards has quickly grown to account for a third of all payments.
Karl Guille, Director of Traffic & Highway Services, said: “We are delighted to be offering our customers the option to purchase their bus tickets by using contactless payments. It is vital that we update and improve the services we offer in order to meet the needs of our community.
“With the increase in use of smartphones and smartwatches, we felt it was important to investigate and implement contactless payments. It is anticipated that this new payment method will encourage more people to use the bus service.”
