First Group to adopt new ticketing system in South West
- Published
An Oyster Card-type ticket system is being introduced on buses in Bristol and Somerset.
First Group is to introduce the £3.2m scheme to its 596-strong local bus fleet.
Once the system is fully operational, customers will be able to pay by swiping their debit or credit card, avoiding the need to carry change.
The fare will then be taken from their bank account or put on their credit card.
Justin Davies, regional managing director of First in the South West and Wales, said: "Considerable investment in our buses continues. This is a groundbreaking announcement for the bus industry and good news for our customers."
The scheme will be introduced to First buses in Bristol and Somerset from the autumn, and will initially allow customers with a prepaid ITSO smartcard to participate.
Credit and debit cards will be accepted from late 2012.