Bus operator first in Scotland to use contactless technology

It is also accepting Apple Pay and Android Pay as part of the contactless roll-out.

The launch of contactless follows the introduction of mobile payment by First Bus mTicket, the roll-out of a new First Bus multi-modal journey planning app and the launch of the multi-operator GrassHOPPER smartcard in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.

Contactless payment has been introduced after an extensive trial period on new ticket machines, which are faster and even more secure for customers, and will also soon be available across all First Bus services, including FirstGlasgow and First Scotland East/Midland Bluebird.

Andrew Jarvis, managing director of First Bus in Scotland, said: “We’re very proud to announce that FirstAberdeen is leading the way on bus in Scotland with contactless technology. This is another major step forward in improving the experience for our customers and builds on other innovations including our mobile mTickets and new journey planner app.”

Designed to make paying for goods and services more convenient, the contactless option on First Bus removes the need to carry cash or purchase tickets in advance, while the fast and easy contactless payment will improve boarding times and lead to quicker bus journeys. The company has demonstrated boarding times are 75 per cent quicker if customers use mTickets or smartcards.

Currently, more than 20 per cent of First Aberdeen customers use First mobile mTickets and the GrassHOPPER multi-operator smartcard.

The investment in contactless forms part of First Bus plans to transform the customer experience through innovative new technology, having already invested significantly in mTickets, free on board Wi-fi and the online journey planner app.

Managing director of First Bus, Giles Fearnley, said: “The introduction of contactless payment alongside our success with mobile ticketing is pivotal as we continue to make bus travel a convenient, simple and attractive experience for our customers, despite the ever increasing congestion that we face in most of our operations across the UK.

“Use of mTickets is exceeding our expectations and yet continues to grow on a daily basis. I fully expect customers to welcome and grasp contactless bus travel with the same enthusiasm.”

Earlier this year, the UK Cards Association announced that contactless payments amounted to 32 per cent of card purchases, an increase from 15 per cent a year ago, with total contactless spending in March at £4 billion.