New machines just the ticket for passengers

BUS passengers in South Queensferry are taking part in a trial of new ticket technology aimed at making boarding a bus faster and simpler.

New Almex ticket machines have been fitted on First services 43, X43 and X4, and the firm hopes to bring them in on all of its 420 vehicles in the Lothians by early next summer.

Smartcard technology in the machines will allow passengers to simply swipe their card and have a ticket automatically issued.

The machines – a first for First buses in Scotland – are currently being used to issue tickets by drivers, but should be operating fully by the end of January.

Juliette Turner, operations director Scotland East, said: "These new machines will eventually make it quicker and easier for passengers, in the first instance concessionary travellers, to get on board.

"The drivers have been trained in how to use these machines and this pilot scheme will lead the way for the rest of the company.

"We would ask passengers to please be patient with our drivers while they get used to this new system, but it is anticipated that ultimately at just the swipe of their pass, concession holders will be able to board the bus without having to stand and wait for a ticket to be issued by the driver."