Brighton & Hove Buses, in collaboration with Google and Littlepay, is launching a pioneering initiative designed to streamline mobile payments for bus travel. This innovative feature, integrated within Google Wallet, aims to enhance passenger experience by offering detailed insights into their travel history and financial benefits obtained through time-based fare caps.
A significant majority, about 80%, of Go-Ahead’s customers are already embracing digital payment methods, such as smart cards, contactless payments, and apps, over traditional cash payments. This trend is particularly evident in the increasing preference for ‘tap on’ and ‘tap off’ payments, which often include the advantage of flexible fare capping.
This new feature is the result of a collaborative effort between Google and Littlepay, Go-Ahead’s payment provider. The key advantages it brings include:
- Real-Time Savings Information: Passengers using the tap to pay system can instantly see their savings from time-based fare caps, offering a transparent view of the cost-effectiveness of public transport.
- Accessible Ride History: Google Wallet will now provide a comprehensive summary of passengers’ bus travel, making it easier to track journeys and savings.
- Enhanced Security and Convenience: The partnership with Littlepay ensures that the payment process is both secure and user-friendly, aligning with Go-Ahead’s goal of a seamless travel experience.
Initially, this feature will be introduced on Brighton & Hove Buses as a pilot project to fine-tune its functionality. Following successful implementation, Go-Ahead plans to extend this service to other UK cities and potentially abroad, providing passengers a superior level of management and insight into their public transport expenses.
