Mobile phones are just the ticket for First customers

From this week First bus customers across Greater Manchester are now able to use their mobile phones as bus tickets.

The initiative has been introduced to make it easier for customers to buy tickets and remove the worry of not having the correct change

In a new initiative launched by First, bus customers will be able to buy tickets on-line via a new app, ‘First Bus Mobile Tickets’, and simply show the driver the ticket on their mobile phone screens. Customers no longer need to purchase a ticket from the driver.

The initiative has been introduced to make it easier for customers to buy tickets and remove the worry of not having the correct change as well as to speed up boarding times. It is hoped that the new approach will encourage more people to travel by bus.

Customers can now purchase day, week, month and new Carnet tickets by using the ‘First Bus Mobile Tickets app’, which is available for free on App Store and Google Play. Customers simply download the app, register, select the ticket they want and navigate the secure payment system. Once the payment section is complete, bus tickets live in a virtual wallet ready for the customer to show the driver. Repeat users need only select the required tickets and confirm their debit/credit card’s security code.

Customers using their mobile phones can also save money when buying their month tickets via their phone paying £48 compared to £50. First are also introducing a new Carnet ticket at £18 for 10 adult single trips which is perfect for anyone who catches the bus now and again. All customers need to do is activate one of their trips just before they travel.

First in Greater Manchester is now carrying more than 10% extra customers compared to the same time last year. The introduction of the mTicket is one of a wide range of initiatives that is helping attract new customers onto First services.

These improvements include more journeys on time, investment in new buses and value-for-money fares. In its most recent fares review (March 2014) First held in price the majority of fares and the network-wide week ticket remains 25% cheaper than last year. These positive changes have been reflected in the Passenger Focus results with a 5% overall rise in customer satisfaction to 84%.

Talking about the launch of mobile ticketing, Head of Commercial for First Manchester Ian Humphreys said, “This is great news for customers. The mTicket offers people an even easier way to travel with one of our value-for-money fares and I’m confident will help encourage more new customers onto First buses.”