Hulleys of Baslow deploys cloud-based payment system across 25-strong fleet
Independent operator Hulleys of Baslow has deployed the latest contactless on-bus ticketing technology across its fleet of 25 vehicles providing services in the Peak District, South Yorkshire and beyond.
Since upgrading to the latest on-bus ticket machines with contactless payment in July 2020, the existing TransMach customer, which celebrates its centenary this year, has seen a 10% increase in overall patronage across all routes.
Using the rugged TransMach TM500 on-bus payment terminal, the new Android-based ticketing solution enables Hulleys passengers to pay onboard with any contactless card, phone or smart device via the secure Littlepay transit payment processing platform. Fully Integrated Transport Smartcard Organisation (ITSO) compliant, the contactless TM500 also scans ITSO-based smartcard passes from all providers for easy cross-border checking, as well as barcodes and QR codes, allowing QR-coded return tickets to be validated instantly.
Equipped with an eight-inch colour LCD touchscreen for excellent visibility and a high-speed thermal printer, the TM500 features a fast 4G data connection, enabling all boarding data to be logged remotely through TransMach’s bespoke cloud-based back-office system. Accessible via any web browser, the back-office system automatically produces concession fare reports, allowing administration to be significantly reduced and faster electronic reimbursement for the operator. The TM500 is also compatible with TransMach’s TMCloud mobile app which provides bus tracking and driver messaging, as well as an at-a-glance overview of revenue and passenger loading.
The TransMach solution has also enabled Hulleys to provide passengers with real-time vehicle location information through the use of an optional Bus Open Data Service (BODS) compatible SIRI data feed and GPS tracking. Fully integrated into the TM500 terminal and available across the TransMach range, the cost-effective SIRI feed allows the operator to provide passengers with a constant flow of real-time service information.
Alf Crofts, Hulleys of Baslow’s Managing Director, comments: “TransMach was the natural choice for our upgrade to contactless ticketing, based on our existing relationship and the customer-friendly support we receive. Contactless has helped Hulleys to increase passenger numbers and convenience, especially in the current climate where people prefer not to handle cash. It takes minutes to train drivers on how to use the TM500 terminal, while the back-office system allows new routes to be added and schedule changes to be made with just a few mouse clicks.”
Minesh Vandra, TransMach’s Director, concludes: “As an existing customer, we are delighted that Hulleys has chosen TransMach contactless technology and our cloud-based fares management system to upgrade its ticketing. The benefits of contactless are clearly demonstrated by Hulleys, with a 10% uplift in patronage, increased convenience for passengers and drivers and fully connected ticketing software enabling TransMach to offer the fastest scanning system on the market. Around 90 per cent of small to medium-sized operators are still using old technology ticketing machines and we are focussed on assisting these businesses with customer-friendly support. TransMach also recognises and appreciates the recommendations from customers in this important area. Our competitively-priced bespoke ticketing solutions are also designed to be compliant with the terms and conditions for the Department for Transport’s COVID-19 Bus Services Support Grant (CBSSG) restart funding as well as other local Smart Grants available from Local Authorities.”
