Go North East has introduced a smart card system for use on their buses called 'the key'. The smartcards will make bus travel possible with just one touch of the Key card on a ticket machine as passengers board and offer a number of customer benefits. These include exclusive discounts, improved security and the convenience of instant ticket top-ups online or over the phone. The cards will also mean that every single young person – up to 18 years old – will benefit from new reduced fares. In addition, the Key will open Metro barriers and allow travel with other operators – as soon as they are ready to upgrade.
When you buy a Get Around weekly, monthly or longer period ticket, instead of a paper ticket or card, they will simply put your ticket onto your Get Around key smartcard. When you need a new ticket just top up your Get Around key with the Get Around ticket you need.
For more information on ticket prices and discounts go to www.simplygo.com/the-key/