How the app looks which is being introduced for Preston Bus services Pic: 70023venus2009

Fumbling for change or needing to break into a tenner at the newsagents to get a few quid for the bus is to become a thing of the past in Preston.

Tickets bought and used via your smartphone is being launched by Preston Bus.

Advertisements

They have teamed up with Masabi mobile ticketing to mean you can travel around the city without needing cash for the bus.

You’ll be able to buy daily, weekly and 28-day tickets using your credit or debit card via the app and download the virtual ticket to your phone. The prices on the app will be the same as if paying on the bus.

It also means an end to passengers having to give the ‘exact fare’ and not getting any change while on the service – currently you get a voucher which you have to claim back at the depot for the difference in fare.

Managing director of Preston Bus Bob Dunn said: “Our goal has always been to streamline the travel experience, showing passengers the benefits of choosing Preston Bus. Using technology can remove the hassles that we know are associated with using cash to pay for tickets and the knock-on delays that can cause.

“We are proud to be working with Masabi, who presented us with a simple, intuitive and easy to use solution. We are excited to be implementing technology that can improve everyday journeys for our customers.”

Read more: Preston Bus Station repair work begins with nine stands fenced off

Preston Bus say the new payment method will speed up boarding times on the bus, making it quicker by nine seconds per passenger.

CEO of Masabi Brian Zanghi said: “Every second that a bus is parked at a stop collecting passenger fares is time that it is not transporting people to where they need to be. By introducing mobile ticketing Preston Bus hopes to reduce the time buses spend at bus stops by as much as 50% – dramatically increasing efficiency and improving the customer experience.

“It’s fantastic to see technology being used in such a way and a pleasure to be implementing the project with our partners Mastercard.”

Read more: Preston Bus announced changes to 14 services across the city

You will still be able to pay by cash on the buses even when the app is introduced. Single tickets are not currently available.

Do you use the buses in Preston? What do you think about the idea? Let us know in the comments below