Lothian Buses launch contactless payment scheme
It goes live today and includes daily fare capping, a Scottish first
Edinburgh commuters are now able to go contactless for the first time around the city as Lothian Buses have launched a new payment system in time for this year’s Fringe.
From start of service today buses began accepting contactless payment including daily fare capping – a first in Scotland.
Customers no longer need to know what ticket to buy before they travel – they simply tap their cards on the readers upon boarding and they are charged the Adult Single fare.
After three or more taps, the fare will be capped at the AdultDAYticket price.
Nigel Serafini, Lothian’s Commercial Director said: “We are delighted to be launching city-wide contactless payment for our customers. With more and more of our transactions becoming ‘cashless’, it was important to recognise the demand for this capability across our fleet.
“This has been at the top of customers’ wish lists for some time and we’re pleased to be able to deliver an easy and convenient method of payment, which removes the need to carry cash, or know at the start of the day how many journeys you plan to make.
"The capping system means that our customers will always get the cheapest daily fare possible, no matter how their travel plans might change throughout the day.”
The system was developed by long-term ticketing and fare collection technology partner Flowbird Transport Intelligence, working with Visa, the global digital payments company.
Steven Orelowitz, Head of Transit, Europe, Visa, said:
“The UK continues to lead the way when it comes to contactless payment systems on public transport and we are thrilled to have partnered with Lothian to bring contactless to their buses.
"People now expect to pay as swiftly and seamlessly for travel as they do for any other purchase, so the introduction of contactless is a huge step forward for Edinburgh, and a boost to the customer experience for both residents and visitors to the city.”
The system also accepts Apple Pay and Google Pay, so payments can be made using mobile devices.
In order to benefit from daily capped rates, bus users will need to use the same contactless card or device across the whole day. If a customer swaps between different payment cards or devices between journeys, payments will not be capped.
The contactless system - and daily capping – can only be applied for individual travel – if travelling with other people, each individual must have their own card or device.
Hear all the latest news from across Edinburgh, the Lothians, Fife and Falkirk on Forth 1. Listen on FM, via the Rayo app, on DAB or on your smart speaker.