A first for bus passengers in the UK, ITSO Transit Hub Ltd’s mobile ticketing solution will deliver ITSO-compatible mobile ticketing to First Bus Glasgow passengers through Corethree and fulfilled into Google Pay, before being rolled out to more than 1.6 million passengers across the First Bus network.
The solution securely delivers First Bus tickets within seconds from the operator’s app directly into the passenger’s Google Pay digital wallet. This is then instantly recognised by the Ticketer readers on First Bus buses, providing a modern, end-to-end mobile ticketing solution.
“This is a clear validation of our commitment to provide the best customer experience through technology innovation,” stated Dave Lynch, CIO, First Group. “This collaboration will enable our passengers to simply tap their Android smartphone on the Ticketer ETM to validate their journey. We look forward to working closely with our long-term partners in Ticketer, Corethree, ITSO Transit Hub Ltd and the Google Pay team to conduct a successful pilot and extend this exciting facility to all of our passengers across the UK.”
Ticketer worked with First Bus, Corethree and ITSO Transit Hub Ltd to ensure that this new media would work seamlessly with the Ticketer infrastructure across the First bus fleet, ensuring the best possible customer experience for the live trial.
Steve Wakeland, ITSO Transit Hub Ltd Director, says: “We are delighted to be providing First Bus passengers with a simpler, more convenient and secure way to plan and pay for their journeys.
“Smartphones are central to our busy lives and across all industries, mobile payments are becoming the popular choice. We recognise that Public transport needs to keep up with this digital shift and this has been the driver behind developing ITSO on Mobile, the only mobile ticketing solution integrated with Google Pay that stores ITSO travel tickets alongside other cards and passes, to offer passengers a seamless journey.”
John Clarfelt, Ticketer CEO, comments: “Our aim is always to make it as easy as possible for passengers to pay for their travel, so we are very excited to work in collaboration with Google, ITSO Transit Hub Ltd, Corethree and First Bus on this project. ITSO on Mobile will further extend our ticketing capability and once it is rolled out across the First Bus network, will offer even more choice and convenience to passengers.”
“We are extremely proud to be playing such a pivotal role in the delivery of a wholly new ticketing experience with Google, Ticketer and First Group,” stated Ashley Murdoch, CEO and Founder, Corethree. “This project shows how our Core Engine platform is the ideal choice for transport operators to modernise and innovate their offerings, to provide the best travel experience for millions of customers and keep up with the latest trends in lifestyle. With smart digital cards showing no signs of abating and the appetite for customers to rely on their smartphones for virtually any aspect of their daily lives, we expect this solution to grow in demand. We look forward to conducting a successful trial and cement our collaboration with First, Ticketer and Google to shape the future of mobility.”
The ITSO on Mobile solution offers customers the convenience of not having to carry an assortment of bulky travel cards in a physical wallet enabling passengers to enjoy a friendlier way to travel. The ability to instantly validate a digital ticket through the Ticketer ETM will allow passengers to board First Buses quickly and more conveniently, reducing queues and ensuring departure times are met.
John Clarfelt concludes: “We are proud that our ETMs will be used to bring ITSO on Mobile to UK bus passengers for the first time. First Bus customers will be able to validate their ITSO Smart cards through their phones, removing the need to carry an assortment of cards. This is a huge step towards frictionless travel.”
For further information please contact:
Mercedes Llewellyn
mercedes.llewellyn@ticketer.co.uk