Bus ticketing and payments specialist Flowbird has launched a new technology package that it says is ideal as operators plan enhanced partnerships with local transport authorities (LTAs).
The supplier says that it “ticks all the boxes for contactless payments and capped ticketing” as set out in the National Bus Strategy for England. The package includes a driver console, contactless cEMV, capped fares, Bus Open Data Service compliance and ITSO certification.
Those elements are supplied alongside Flowbird’s cloud-hosted back-office software and what it calls a “long” warranty. Also part of the offer are flexible payment terms, low transaction fees and monthly charges. That makes it suitable for both small and large operators, the company adds.
Says Flowbird Business Development Executive Alistair Aitken: “Our Bus Back Better offer supports the immediate needs of operators in optimising available government support, while at the same time delivering the digital systems specified in enhanced partnerships that will open up new opportunities for bus companies.
“Besides meeting government requirements, the new solution offers straightforward integration with other applications such as passenger apps and m-ticketing, as well as validators for touch on, touch off – perfectly preparing operators for the new era of fare payments and wider mobility systems.”
Mr Aitken adds that the Flowbird ticketing and payments package also provides a pathway to the supplier’s bus-oriented mobility hub for operators. That opens up new retailing opportunities and ‘on demand’ service provision as the wider transport sector moves towards greater multimodal integration.
“Bus travel will play an even greater role in getting people out of cars onto sustainable transport – and operators can be confident that this package will provide them with a reliable solution today, and a future-ready platform for tomorrow.”