Operator Grant Palmer introduced the first capped tap on, tap off contactless bus ticketing product in Bedfordshire from Monday 25 April in collaboration with Ticketer.
At launch, the approach uses capped zones on Grant Palmer’s network, including five that are area-specific. Customers tap on via existing Ticketer machines when boarding and use new tap off readers when alighting. In addition to charging them the best price, the system will also enable them to check their payment history via the operator’s website.
Grant Palmer is the latest among a growing number of organisations to adopt contactless tap on, tap off ticketing. Says Executive Assistant Thomas Manship: “It has been great to work with Ticketer on this project. With its tap off readers, we are now able to offer a pay-as-you-go (PAYG) model with fare capping for our customers.
“With simpler fares and greater flexibility, we expect more passengers to come back to our buses and leave their cars at home.”
Adds Ticketer General Manager UK and International Antonio Carmona: “The introduction of PAYG is a major improvement in how people pay bus fares, and it is a key theme in the National Bus Strategy for England.
“PAYG fares are simpler and easier for passengers, and with Ticketer’s tap on, tap off technology, it is a model that can be expanded beyond flat fare services. We are very pleased to work with an innovative operator like Grant Palmer to remove more barriers to accessing public transport.”