People catching a bus in Sunderland can now use the Pop Pay As You Go smartcard for travel in the city.
Stagecoach buses have started to accept the new payment card, launched last year, which can already be used on the Tyne and Wear Metro and Shields Ferry.
Sunderland City Council Portfolio Holder for City Services, Cllr Michael Mordey said: “Anything which makes it cheaper and more convenient to regularly use public transport is to be welcomed, and these smart cards do just that. This scheme is a great example of what can be achieved when regional transport partners get together to make life easier for passengers.
“More people on busses and the Metro means less people in cars on the road, which reduces traffic congestion and emissions.”
Robin Knight, Commercial Director at Stagecoach, said: “This is another step on the digital journey, allowing us to tailor ticketing to the needs of customers. It is further proof that by working closely together in partnership we can keep the north east ahead of the pack and in the national spotlight.”
More than 6,000 people are already using Pop Pay As You Go cards, which can be bought from Nexus Travelshops and selected Payzone stores in the North East.
Pop Pay As You Go was launched last year by the North East Smart Ticketing Initiative – a partnership of the North East Combined Authority, Nexus, local councils and transport operators aimed at providing one smart card that could be used anywhere in the region.
It can so far be used anywhere on Metro, on all Arriva buses in Northumberland, Newcastle and North Tyneside, selected Go North East buses and now Stagecoach in South Tyneside and Sunderland. Pop Pay As You Go can also be widely used on Stagecoach and Arriva routes in the Tees Valley.
Click here for the full list of bus services accepting Pop Pay As You Go.
When using Pop Pay As You Go on buses and ferry customers ask the driver for their destination, using the card as a cash-free form of payment.
The card will be accepted by Stagecoach alongside its full range of tickets and smartcards, as well as the Smartzone and Network One season tickets for people who travel frequently using more than one company.