All buses operating in the Liverpool City Region will accept contactless payments from the end of July.
The new contactless system is expected to be quicker than cash payments, and more convenient for the commuters who do not have the right change. Operators expect the new system will help speed up boarding times.
The upgraded ticket machines are also expected to make the buses more punctual. This will work alongside the latest traffic signal technology which alters signal timings to prioritise buses that are running late. This technology is currently being trialled in south Liverpool.
Stagecoach went contactless in July 2017, with Arriva – the city’s region’s largest bus operator – following suit in June this year. The end of July will see all other bus operators start accepting contactless payments. The move comes after the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority earmarked £1.05m from the Transforming Cities Fund (TCF).
Liverpool will be the first city region outside London to offer contactless technology on every bus.
Contactless improvements are part of a wider city region drive towards smart ticketing and more flexible payment options. Mersey Tunnels saw contactless technology introduced in April and the rail network allows for contactless payments at all staffed stations.
Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor, Steve Rotheram said to the ECHO: "The roll out of contactless technology is yet another step in the right direction as we seek to create a Liverpool City Region transport system that is fit for the 21st century – and it brings us into line with cities like London.
“The bus alliance has allowed us to make good progress in modernising our bus network – but now, with the powers we have through the Bus Services Act 2017 – we can move ahead at speed, beyond incremental improvements.
“People need to feel that our buses work for them and so we are analysing the results of our Big Bus Debate carefully, before we make a decision on the long term future of the bus system in our region.”
Contactless payments will be valid for all ticket products under £30 that are currently available to purchase on board.
