Go North East has unveiled contactless ticketing across its network today (Wednesday), as part of Catch the Bus Week.
The operator has invested £1.6m in the technology, which also includes mobile options through Apple Pay and Android Pay.
Kevin Carr, MD, says: “We believe that by offering contactless payment options, non-bus users who were previously worried about having incorrect change, or were put off by the ticket-buying process, may be more inclined to just pop on the bus now.
“Contactless has already been trialled for a few weeks on our popular Q3 Quaylink service in Newcastle, to great local acclaim, and now we’re excited to launch it across all our services during the popular awareness week.”
Go North East’s contactless methods offer customers protection against fraudulent use with secure payments, unlike other providers, it says.
Mr Carr adds: “This new fast, simple and secure way to pay means our passengers can travel hassle-free, without the worry of having change for the bus.”