Working in partnership with local councils and commercial transport operators, Nexus has forged a path towards one of the biggest roll outs of smart technology in the UK.
With the introduction of the Junior Blue smartcard for under 16s in October 2020, every passenger now has the ability to access smart technology.
The benefits to passengers are clear. Convenience is paramount, with the ability to pre-load smartcards on the web ahead of travel and avoiding the need to carry to cash, or use ticket machines.
Integration is also another key benefit. Smartcards can be used to purchase tickets on Metro, the Shields Ferry and bus services*.
While much has been achieved over the last 10 years, much more needs to be done to make smart travel even more attractive to passengers.
The regions bus operators and Nexus are embarking on a journey to make Network One multi modal ticketing smart. For the first time, passengers will be able to travel seamlessly with the touch of a smart card. Keep a look out for more information on this development.
Nexus is also looking to the future of ticketing. Last Autumn, Nexus launched the new Pop app on android phones. Weekly Metro tickets are currently available on the Pop app, with your mobile phone working the same way as a smart card. Further Metro products will be added to the Pop app in the future.
*Pop cards can be used as a ‘wallet’ for payment towards bus operator issued tickets.