First for First with booking for bus trips
The UK’S first booking system for buses has been launched in Bath as part of a pilot scheme from First West of England.
Customers travelling on the 3A service from Batheaston to Weston in Bath from Monday (August 3) can now book a seat on the bus as part of an attempt by First to improve the travelling experience for customers.
The trial is also in operation from the Brislington Park and Ride service in Bristol and on the T1B service between Bristol and Thornbury from August 10.
With capacity onboard buses in the area currently reduced due to social distancing, the reservation will secure a space on the chosen bus rather than a specific seat.
Bookings will be made on Book My Bus Ride, a new, dedicated website, with customers receiving an email confirmation that is either scanned onboard or shown alongside an existing, pre-paid ticket.
It is believed to be the first system of its kind operating on regular, scheduled bus services in the UK.
James Freeman, managing director at First West of England, said: “The initiative is in its early stages and, if successful, we hope to integrate the advanced booking technology into the First Bus mobile app, as well as the onboard ticketing software, to revolutionise both the customer and driver experience.
“As the way we all live and work adjusts to the ‘new normal,’ so must public transport too. We’re pleased to welcome back many passengers as more shoppers and commuters return.
“With capacity onboard currently reduced to support social distancing, we hope this new optional booking service will help to reassure customers, particularly those travelling at busy times, that it is now possible to secure their space on certain routes, before even getting on the bus.”
Bookings can be made up to seven days in advance of the journey, with the flexibility of being able to reserve a space, subject to availability, right up to 15 minutes before departure.
Customers will have the option of buying a ticket with their reservation or booking at no extra cost if they already have a pre-paid First Bus ticket or are a concessionary card holder travelling after 9am.
Bookings can be made for all Monday to Friday journeys on the Brislington Park and Ride and 3B in Bath, and all Monday to Friday morning and afternoon peak time journeys on the T1B in Thornbury.
Just under 50 per cent of the socially distanced capacity will be bookable, with the remaining seats left available for customers to board and pay as normal without a booking.