Reading Buses sister operator Thames Valley Buses is trialling age verification for young people on its mobile app.
The intention of the trial is to remove the need for children and students to carry ID in order to prove their age to the driver on every journey.
From August, customers who purchase Boost tickets – which are available to those aged 19 and under, or 21 and under who are in full time education at a local college or university – through the Thames Valley Buses mobile app for use in Maidenhead must have their age verified in order to make a purchase.
The verification process will require customers to upload ID onto the app for an “automated visual check” before they are able to buy a ticket.
Some tickets, including singles and returns, will be available to buy on board services in Maidenhead, with driver approval.
Says Robert Williams, Chief Executive Officer of Thames Valley Buses: “The trial will enable us to monitor the customer reaction in a defined area and, if it is successful, then we will consider rolling it out on a larger scale.”
