First Berkshire has activated Express Mode for Apple Pay on all its services, making making it among the first bus operators in the UK to offer the contactless payment method after TfL introduced the technology in London.
Express Mode for Apple Pay means customers with Apple Pay can now access First Berskhire’s bus services and pay for their ticket using their iPhone or Apple Watch. There is no need to wake or unlock the device, open an app or use Face ID or Touch ID.
For customers using Face ID on iPhone, Express Mode for Apple Pay has the additional advantage of allowing customers to keep their face covering on while boarding the bus.
The launch of the technology has been accelerated through the impact of the coronavirus, with the bus operator advising customers to only pay with cash on buses as a last resort wherever possible due to the latest UK government advice on limiting the spread of the virus.
First Berkshire said it has seen a steadily decline of cash due to Covid-19 guidance on avoiding its use where possible.
The new payment option is another cashless way for First Berkshire customers to pay for their bus travel, with over 80% currently using cashless payment methods on First buses.
Jonathan Lewis, First Berkshire’s commercial manager, said: “During these unprecedented times, we wanted to offer our customers another cashless way to pay for their bus travel and to make life as easy as possible.
“First Berkshire was quick to introduce other popular payment methods on our buses such as the smartphone app and contactless, and I am sure customers with iPhone and Apple Watch will be delighted with the new Express Mode for Apple Pay technology.”
