Transit payments firm Littlepay has announced the launch of a multi-operator contactless scheme for bus passengers in North Wales, said to be the first of its scope in the UK.
The firm is collaborating with Transport for Wales (TfW), Ticketer and 25 five local transit operators to deliver what it said is a seamless public transit experience for passengers in the counties of Anglesey, Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Gwynedd, and Wrexham.
The initiative, which is managed by TfW, allows passengers to travel across multiple bus operators without having to plan and purchase a multi-operator ticket in advance, knowing that they will be charged the best available rate.
Huw Morgan, head of integrated transport at TfW, said: ‘This innovative solution will simplify the payment process for customers and give them confidence that they are consistently receiving great value for money when travelling by bus throughout North Wales.
‘This is a first in UK multi-operator scheme of this scope, which Transport for Wales are proud to be supporting on behalf of the people of Wales.’
Paul Griffin of Littlepay said: ‘Public transit becomes a very attractive option when there is no need to compare the fare prices and routes of the available operators.
‘If most operators in the region are taking part in a multi-operator capping scheme, riders can simply board a bus and enjoy the best fare available without having to stop and plan the journey - which is exactly what Transport for Wales has achieved with this initiative.'
Littlepay said all 25 participating operators were existing customers and were able to bring together their offerings using the Littlepay Broker service, which it said handles the complexities of multi-operator ticketing while giving operators and authorities the data and tools to ensure complete transparency between all parties for support, reconciliation and auditing.
The firm added that multi-operator capping is gaining momentum in the UK after areas such as Leicester, Bournemouth and Cornwall have tried and tested the approach.
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