First South Yorkshire has launched a new ticketing trial designed to make using its buses simpler and quicker as well as providing better value for customers.
So-called ‘tap-and-cap’ technology is being trialled on a six-month basis, offering customers capped fares within Doncaster via their contactless card or enabled device.
‘Tap-and-cap’ uses contactless payments to cap travel charges, which means First customers in Doncaster will pay a maximum fare of £4.70 a day or £16.50 per week, regardless of the number of journeys made.
Single journeys made with ‘tap-and-cap’ will cost a flat £2, meaning customers do not need to ask for a ticket or tell the driver where they’re travelling so long as it’s within the Doncaster boundary.
A second journey is charged at an additional £2 and the third is capped at 70p, taking the full price to the same as a day ticket – £4.70. Any additional journeys made that day are free.
If a customer continues to tap throughout the week the cost of all their journeys would be capped at £16.50.
In partnership with payment platform provider Littlepay, First customers using ‘tap-and-cap’ can access the self-service portal, which tracks payments and shows the savings made.
As part of the changes from 29 September 2020, mobile ticket prices are aligned with other payment options, so that day and week prices, including ‘tap-and-cap’, are consistent.
Allan Riggall, commercial director at First South Yorkshire, said: “This new initiative ensures customers will always get the best value fare to suit their travel needs and will continue to help speed up bus journeys by reducing boarding time.
“We will be monitoring the results of the trial closely and hope to extend the initiative further across the city region.”
