The latest National Bus Fares Survey by the TAS Partnership has shown a rapid move towards cashless ticketing by operators in a bid to speed up journey times and reduce costs.
Launching the report, CPT Chief Executive Graham Vidler said: “The survey results clearly show that despite the impact congestion is having on operators’ costs bus travel by and large remains good value for money, with the average weekly ticket still costing less outside of London than within it. Significant investment in new technology by operators now also means that almost every ticket surveyed could have been purchased using contactless payment.”
Looking ahead, however, the survey concluded that “There will almost certainly be a continuing role for cash payment and the paper ticket, at least until the passenger market is willing to fully embrace new ticketing options and technologies. A very significant proportion of bus passengers do not have a bank account, many of those who do have an account are yet to receive or are unwilling to use contactless-enabled bank cards and a similar proportion do not possess smartphones.”
The National Bus Fares Survey is carried out every two years by the TAS Partnership. The findings inform bus companies, local authorities, government bodies and others in planning local transport and as evidence of regional variations.