TAP-ON TAP-OFF FARE IS JUST THE TICKET
NEW CONTACTLESS PAYMENT SCHEME NOW AVAILABLE ON ALL KINCHBUS SERVICES
KINCHBUS is rolling out the world’s first tap-on tap-off contactless payment on all its services from Sunday 28 July. The newest way to pay gives customers a quick and easy way to pay for bus travel across the whole Kinchbus network.
Kinchbus alongside their sister operator trentbarton have invested £2.5 million in the tap-on, tap-off terminals for their fleets after trialling the system from pioneering UK provider Ticketer on the skylink Derby route’s 11 vehicles.
Since the trial started the number of customers using contactless has increased to, one in every four with customers opting to pay with their contactless debit or credit cards due to its convenience. Customer research by Kinchbus before the trial found that 80 per cent of customers have a contactless card.
The simple new system will work with customers tapping on their contactless card on the new ticket machines and tapping off as they leave at their destination. The system will then automatically work out which is the best fare for that customer and take the right fare from their debit or credit card.
With more than 3.2million customer journeys each year, a similar 25 per cent take up across the Kinchbus network’s 37 buses would see an average of more than 2,100 contactless payments made each day.
In addition to this Kinchbus have also developed capping for customers, so whether customers are using Kinchbus to make several trips, or use different Kinchbus routes, their fares will automatically be capped daily and every 28 days making budgeting and using the bus simpler than ever before.
Managing director Jeff Counsell said: “One in four is a huge number annually, but we only expect contactless to increase its share of payments over time.
“This is especially true for our system which, uniquely for a UK bus company, automatically charges the lowest possible fare given where customers get on and the stop they get off at. This beats the flat charge levied by other operators.
“With daily and 28-day caps too, our customers will have confidence that they are getting the best possible value for money every time they tap on and off a Kinchbus service.”
The Kinchbus services will see contactless rolled out from Sunday July 28. Using the GPS tracking on board each bus, the system was developed by Berkshire-based technology firm Ticketer with the help of Kinchbus.
John Clarfelt, managing director of Ticketer, said: “We are delighted that the trial of our tap-on tap-off terminals, working together with Littlepay, was such a huge success for Kinchbus.
“Our ticket machines are the first in the UK to guarantee passengers pay for their actual journey, rather than a
pre-purchased ticket. They are also so easy to use, passengers simply tap on with their contactless credit or debit card, then tap off as they disembark.
“They no longer need to state their destination or ticket type to the driver. We are so pleased that yet another of our innovations is making it easier for everyone to travel by bus.”
Jeff Counsell said: “For decades we’ve been at the forefront of developing innovation in bus travel, including the vehicles, the all-round experience, the real-time information, attractive branding and outstanding levels of service by friendly drivers. “By adding contactless in this more sophisticated and customercentric way, whilst still accepting other methods of payment, we are creating more choice. It is innovations such as this which will encourage more people to choose bus travel.” Kinchbus general manager Sue Blount said: “Kinchbus customers will love the convenience of using their contactless bank cards or mobile devices to pay for their journeys using tap-on tap-off. “The ability to travel contactless makes sense for all customers, whether you travel occasionally or every day. The machines do all the work and make sure you get the best price.”
Visa, Mastercard and Maestro credit and debit cards with the contactless logo can be used, including most contactless cards issued overseas. Payment can also be made using a smart device via Apple Pay or Android Pay.
Customers with Kinchkards still loaded with pre-paid trips or valid beyond July 28 can continue to use them until they have run out. Those customers can then travel contactless or get a new Kinchkard – which they can top-up using contactless. Cash will still be accepted and contactless can also be used on request when boarding to pay for single or return journeys.
Customers who travel contactless will be able to see their journey history, trip charges and how close they are to their day and 28 day cap through the Kinchbus website.
“The ticket machines are so easy to use. Passengers simply tap on with their contactless credit or debit card, then tap off as they disembark”