Stagecoach South Wales has relaunched and updated its tap on, tap off payment system on its buses.
The operator introduced the payment method last year, but says it has responded to passenger feedback by changing the charge for those who fail to tap off.
Previously, a customer would incur a £10 incomplete journey charge regardless of route for not tapping out. However, those who neglect doing so in future will instead be charged a single fare to the end of the route.
Adult passengers who both tap on and tap off with their contactless card or device will have their fares capped at daily or weekly levels appropriate for their area.
Stagecoach South Wales runs services in Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Merthyr Tydfil, Neath, Newport, Monmouthshire, Powys, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Swansea, Torfaen and Herefordshire.
Users of the system will be able to track their journeys by signing up for a Stagecoach account.
Martin Gibbon, Managing Director of Stagecoach South Wales, says: “Our pay as you go system makes jumping on a Stagecoach bus even easier, with more flexibility. Offering great value with capped daily and weekly tickets.
“We’ve listened to our customers, previously if they forgot to tap off, they’d incur a flat £10 charge. We’ve now improved the system to change this.
“Our system can see where you’ve jumped on the bus, but if you don’t tap off it assumes you went to the end of the route and charges you based on that journey. But, for those who do forget to tap off, we’re asking you to reach out to us. Let’s talk and see if we can help.”
The Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates, adds: “This is great news for Stagecoach passengers. Pay as you Go provides a simpler and fairer way to travel and in turn will encourage more people to travel by bus.”
