The Evolution Of Bus Payments: Cashless And Contactless

Paying for your bus fare has become increasingly convenient with the introduction of contactless payments, digital wallets, and ticket vending machines. In cities like New York, you can pay your bus fare using a MetroCard, coins, or a SingleRide ticket. OMNY, a contactless payment system, is also accepted on all New York City buses, allowing you to tap your card, smartphone, or wearable device to pay. Similarly, in the UK, many bus operators like Stagecoach and First Bus have adopted contactless payments, enabling you to use cards or mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay. This shift towards contactless and digital payment methods offers a faster, more secure, and cashless way to pay for bus fares, enhancing the overall commuting experience for passengers.

Contactless cards

To use a contactless card, look for the contactless symbol on your credit or debit card. You can then board a bus with the contactless symbol and tap your card onto the reader, usually located near the driver, and wait for the beep. You can also use a mobile device with Apple Pay or Google Pay installed.

It is important to note that you should always use the same card or device to touch in and out to ensure you pay the correct fare. For example, if you touch in with your iPhone, you should also touch out with the same device.

Contactless payments are available on all Stagecoach buses outside of London, with a maximum transaction limit of £45. You can buy any ticket up to the value of £30, including single, return, dayrider, and megarider tickets.

Contactless devices

Contactless payment methods are becoming increasingly popular on buses. In New York City, OMNY (One Metro New York) is accepted on all buses. OMNY readers are rectangular screens near the driver, where passengers can tap their contactless credit or debit card, smartphone, or wearable device.

Select Bus Services in New York also offer off-board fare payment on most routes, where riders can pay their fare on the sidewalk at a Select Bus Service station stop using a MetroCard or coin machine. They will then receive a receipt as proof of payment, which can be checked at random by MTA inspectors.

In the UK, the Stagecoach bus company also accepts contactless payments on all their buses outside of London. Passengers can pay with their card or device, including Apple Pay and Google Pay.

Contactless payment technology is also being integrated into wearable devices, such as wristbands, fitness trackers, watches, jewellery, and smart clothing. These devices are becoming increasingly popular, especially among teenagers who can use them to learn to control their spending with help from their parents.

Cash

Paying by cash is a straightforward way to pay for your bus journey. Many bus operators still accept cash payments, but some may encourage the use of contactless or app-based payments instead. If you are paying in cash, it is important to have the exact fare ready, as bus operators may not be able to provide change. This means you should have the correct combination of coins or notes to cover the cost of your journey.

When boarding the bus, you will need to tell the operator the type of ticket you require. For example, do you need a single, return, or day ticket? Are you entitled to a discounted rate, such as a child, student, or senior citizen fare? You may also need to specify the type of passenger you are, such as an adult, youth, or senior. Once you have communicated your requirements, you can then pay the operator with your prepared cash.

On some buses, you may need to insert your cash into a farebox, which will then dispense your ticket. Other buses may have a human operator who will collect your cash and provide you with a ticket. It is important to remember that, in most cases, bus operators cannot provide change, so you must have the exact amount ready.

In some locations, you may be able to purchase a ticket with cash before boarding the bus. For example, you might find ticket machines at bus stations or transport hubs that accept cash payments. You can then use the ticket you have purchased to board the bus. This can be helpful if you do not have the exact change required for a cash payment on the bus.

Ticket machines

Types of Ticket Machines:

• Off-board fare payment machines: These machines are typically found at bus stops, especially for select bus services or express services. You pay your fare before boarding, and you'll receive a receipt as proof of payment. When the bus arrives, you can enter through any door, showing your receipt if requested by an inspector.
• On-board ticket machines: Some buses have ticket machines installed on the bus itself. These machines may accept various payment methods, including cash, coins, or contactless payments. You can purchase your ticket from the machine and then proceed to find a seat.
• Contactless readers: Many buses now offer contactless payment options, allowing you to tap your credit or debit card, smartphone, or wearable device on a reader as you board. This method provides a quick and convenient way to pay your fare without the need for physical tickets.

Using Ticket Machines:

• Inserting payment: When using a ticket machine, you'll typically need to insert your payment, which could be cash, coins, or a payment card, depending on the machine's capabilities. Follow the instructions on the machine to ensure your payment is processed correctly.
• Selecting your ticket type: Some machines may offer different ticket options, such as single rides, day passes, or special fares for specific groups (students, seniors, etc.). Choose the type of ticket you need before finalising your purchase.
• Obtaining your ticket: After completing your payment, the machine will usually dispense a paper ticket or receipt. Be sure to take your ticket and keep it with you during your bus ride, as proof of payment.

Benefits of Ticket Machines:

• Convenience: Ticket machines offer a self-service option for purchasing bus fares, providing flexibility and convenience for passengers.
• Speed: By allowing passengers to purchase tickets before boarding or using contactless payment methods, ticket machines help reduce boarding times and speed up the overall bus service.
• Multiple payment options: Ticket machines often support various payment methods, including cash, coins, cards, and contactless payments, accommodating different passenger preferences and needs.

Smartcards

In the UK, StagecoachSmart cards are available to purchase online or on the bus. When buying a "Smart Online" ticket, you will receive your ticket loaded onto a smart card, which will be delivered within 3-5 days. If you buy a ticket for a week or longer on any of their buses, it will also be loaded onto a StagecoachSmart card. There is a £1 non-refundable charge for the card if you do not already have one. You can then register your card using its unique 18-digit code, which will protect your tickets if your card is lost or stolen.

In Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, smartcards have been introduced to the Dar es Salaam Rapid Transit (DART) system, which manages the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system. This allows commuters to load their cards in advance through mobile money payments and access the BRT stations by swiping their cards over a scanner, thus speeding up boarding and reducing queues. The smartcards are also more durable than paper tickets, reducing the amount of trash in bus terminals and their surroundings.

In New York City, OMNY readers have been introduced on all buses, allowing riders to tap their contactless credit or debit card, smartphone, or wearable device to pay their fare. This is in addition to the existing MetroCard system, where riders insert their card into the farebox near the driver.

Frequently asked questions