Passenger is giving operators more visibility and reducing ticket purchase times for travellers with a new tool that allows third party apps and websites to host ticket purchase links outside of operator’s own platforms.
The feature has already been implemented onto BusTimes.org, the independent bus information website. Travellers searching for bus service details on the website will now see a ‘tickets’ tab on the profiles of operators signed up to Passenger’s MyTrip app and website platform, where they will be able to buy tickets.
Direct ticket links connect to the MyTrip app, where the purchase is made. Users without the app will be sent towards installation instructions. Passenger says the third-party channels will be “carefully considered” with trusted credentials before the option is implemented.
“Our new ticketing capability will boost awareness of operators across more channels, while offering customers another route to easily purchase their bus tickets,” says Greg Hepworth, Head of Product at Passenger. “As BusTimes.org is such a respected and widely used website with around 5m visits per month, it made sense for us to collaborate with it and boost myTrip operator reach even further.
“Purchasing a ticket need no longer be an afterthought if a customer is visiting a website or app for an entirely different reason – whether that be researching bus times, or even looking up things to do in an area. By collaborating with trusted third party applications, we’re collectively helping our industry inspire patronage for more sustainable methods of travel.”
Adds Joshua Goodwin, Founder of BusTimes.org: “As a regular bus user, I appreciate the convenience of mobile ticket apps and how they speed up boarding times, while also reducing the need for paper tickets from an environmental perspective.
“Passenger’s well-designed ticketing feature is a great addition to our BusTimes.org website, as it makes journey planning even quicker and simpler, encouraging more people to take the next step in committing to their travel plans after viewing service times.”
