Essex-based NIBS Buses has become the latest local operator to partner with smart ticketing provider TransMach for the installation of fully contactless ticketing on both its scheduled routes and private school services in the Basildon, Billericay, Wickford, and south west Essex area.
Following a three month trial of TransMach’s TM500 machine, NIBS has rolled out the units across its fleet of 34 vehicles. The upgrade has enabled the operator to manage BODS submissions more easily, including generating timetables and fare information from one system. Utilising built-in GPS tracking, TransMach’s package also enables an online interface, so that passengers can track their bus service in real time.
In addition to the retrofitting of its on-board system, which allows passengers to use any contactless debit or credit card or smartphone payment app when boarding, TransMach is developing a bespoke online school portal for NIBS which will allow parents to purchase travel smartcards for their children, improving customer convenience and reducing operator costs by removing the handling of cash payments. The portal will also enable users to book single tickets ad-hoc, a carnet package of journeys, or a whole term’s worth of school bus travel. An automatic payment facility means any booking interruptions are avoided, and a seat management function will ensure that services are never over-booked.
Bill Hiron, Managing Director of Stephensons of Essex, which owns NIBS Buses, said: “We were impressed with the trials we carried out using TransMach’s on-board contactless machines. They accommodated all our requests in record time and have shown great flexibility. It is nice to support other SMEs and our business was very happy to place this important order with TransMach.”
Commenting on the new partnership with NIBS, TransMach Director Minesh Vandra said: “Our mission is to enable 100% contactless travel for public and private transport operators, which delivers value for money. That’s backed up by an expert and friendly technical support team. TransMach is delighted to welcome NIBS to its growing network of customers, who benefit from our personal touch and bespoke approach to every project. We believe that a large number of small to medium-sized operators are still using early generation ticketing machines, so we remain focused on helping these businesses to upgrade to a fully contactless ticketing solution, which is far more cost effective and convenient.”
Equipped with an LCD touchscreen and high-speed contactless reader, TransMach’s TM500 features a 4G data connection, running on Android, enabling boarding data to be logged through the company’s own cloud-based management system. Concession fare reports are produced automatically, and the system is supplied with TransMach’s mobile app, which provides bus tracking, revenue and passenger load data, plus driver messaging functionality.
