29 July 2010
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20 August 2009
Manchester passengers want cashless buses
Counting loose change as you board the bus could become a thing of the past according to forward thinking Manchester passengers.
In a survey carried out by First to find the ideal bus of the future, 26 per cent of people voted for cashless buses where commuters hop on and off using futuristic finger print recognition to pay their fare.
The Greater Manchester bus operator carried out the research to find out how its passengers think technology could change the way people travel in the future, as part of its link up with the Videogame Nation exhibition in Urbis. Access to a multimedia TV, video and music station fitted into each seat was the second most popular idea with 21 per cent of the votes.
Claire Johnson, commercial director for First Manchester, said: “Our partnership with the Urbis exhibition has proved very popular and the survey was a fun way of getting our customers to tell us what their dream bus would look like.
“We work hard to get to know our passengers and listen to their views so we can continue to improve our services and make their journey as comfortable as possible.
“Although finger print recognition on buses may sound like something from a James Bond film, the concept of cashless buses may not be far off. We already offer a wide range of pre-paid tickets, for both frequent and occasional travellers, to make boarding our buses as quick and easy as possible and are always looking for new ways to make travelling by bus a convenient and easy option.”
Following the survey, First are also introducing an electronic system for concessionary pass holders which means they’ll no longer be issued a paper ticket and drivers will instead record the use of a concessionary pass on the ticket machine. This is being implemented on all First services from 30 August.
Claire added: “Our new improved system will help to speed up boarding times, reduce litter on our vehicles and help us to be greener through the reduction in the number of ticket rolls we use.”
As part of its partnership with the Urbis, First donated bus seats to the Videogame Nation exhibition which demonstrates the history and development of video gaming since it began. The exhibition is on until September 20 and First are offering passengers an exclusive 2 for 1 entry until 31 August.
In a survey carried out by First to find the ideal bus of the future, 26 per cent of people voted for cashless buses where commuters hop on and off using futuristic finger print recognition to pay their fare.
The Greater Manchester bus operator carried out the research to find out how its passengers think technology could change the way people travel in the future, as part of its link up with the Videogame Nation exhibition in Urbis. Access to a multimedia TV, video and music station fitted into each seat was the second most popular idea with 21 per cent of the votes.
Claire Johnson, commercial director for First Manchester, said: “Our partnership with the Urbis exhibition has proved very popular and the survey was a fun way of getting our customers to tell us what their dream bus would look like.
“We work hard to get to know our passengers and listen to their views so we can continue to improve our services and make their journey as comfortable as possible.
“Although finger print recognition on buses may sound like something from a James Bond film, the concept of cashless buses may not be far off. We already offer a wide range of pre-paid tickets, for both frequent and occasional travellers, to make boarding our buses as quick and easy as possible and are always looking for new ways to make travelling by bus a convenient and easy option.”
Following the survey, First are also introducing an electronic system for concessionary pass holders which means they’ll no longer be issued a paper ticket and drivers will instead record the use of a concessionary pass on the ticket machine. This is being implemented on all First services from 30 August.
Claire added: “Our new improved system will help to speed up boarding times, reduce litter on our vehicles and help us to be greener through the reduction in the number of ticket rolls we use.”
As part of its partnership with the Urbis, First donated bus seats to the Videogame Nation exhibition which demonstrates the history and development of video gaming since it began. The exhibition is on until September 20 and First are offering passengers an exclusive 2 for 1 entry until 31 August.
Notes to editors
• First Manchester surveyed more than 3000 customers to find out how they think technology could change bus travel in the future.• First Manchester carries approximately 100 million passengers each year and operates 900 buses. Back to top | More First Manchester stories
