Riders of Nottingham’s public transport network can now use contactless payment for more ticketing options as more journey types are added to its system.
This includes the introduction of a scheme that will see passengers able to travel on Nottingham Express Transit (NET) trams using contactless payment methods.
New Init platform validators have been installed across the NET network to enable contactless payment, with passengers now able to tap their contactless method on the platform validators and board the tram, with no need to tap again when they alight.
The system also automatically calculates the best fare, giving the user peace of mind knowing they will receive a capped fare for the day’s travel. The technology also takes into account all the journeys made during a day, with a single payment taken.
In addition, software company Init is also adding contactless payments with capped fares to Nottingham’s Link buses.
Alongside these changes, even more Nottingham City Transport (NCT) bus passengers will be able to use Init’s on-board contactless payment validators to purchase any ticket type, including Grouprider, Under 19, and student tickets.
Contactless payments have been available for adult ‘tap and go’ travel since last September, but this change will allow all passengers to pay with their bank or credit card, smart phone or smart watch, regardless of ticket type.
To take advantage of the additional ticket options on NCT buses, passengers simply need to tell the driver what ticket type they require and that they want to pay contactless. The ticket machine then prints the correct ticket, which passengers keep for their onward travel.
The final stage of this scheme will shortly see passengers able to travel across all three operators, taking NET trams, NCT buses and Link buses, tapping their contactless payment card or device on the bus or tram validator as they go and still only pay one, capped daily fare for the day’s travel.
Init’s intelligent fare calculation system calculates the best fare for that day’s travel, regardless of how many journeys passengers have taken. One payment is deducted from the passenger’s bank account at the end of each day, guaranteeing they pay the best price for their travel.
Jens Mullak, managing director of Init, said: “Contactless solutions have become particularly attractive to both customers and operators since the start of Covid-19 pandemic, minimising the requirement to handle cash. We are delighted to deliver this joined-up scheme to Nottingham’s passengers, which will speed up boarding times and make public transport more attractive overall.”
Further changes being brought in by Init include non-consecutive contactless fare capping for National Express West Midlands bus passengers, including one day, three day or seven day caps. This allows those who are commuting less frequently to take advantage of the best possible fares.
