Reading Buses and its subsidiaries will roll out TransMach ticket machines across 285 buses from mid-November after what the operator describes as an extensive, year-long tendering process.

That exercise considered the type of technology deployed, payment speeds, software flexibility, integration with other suppliers’ platforms, acceptance of contactless, tap-on, tap-off capping, barcodes and ITSO smartcards, delivery of Bus Open Data Service (BODS) compliant punctuality data and reporting, the municipal operator says.

It adds that key from launch of the first units on 16 November is integration with Freeway Fleet Systems software for direct electronic recording of defects.

Data will also flow from the machines to the Velociti Systems suite and the CitySwift platform for analysis, Passenger for app and website use, Littlepay for payment processing, r2p for next stop announcements, multiple SIRI feeds for real-time systems, and BODS.

An agreement with Reading Buses represents TransMach’s largest order to data. The processing of smartcards will use new fourth-generation Indexed Sequential Access Methods. The new machines and platform come with various other features, including:

• • Improved defect checks and messaging system
  • Faster payment processing
  • A panic button
  • Separate readers for smartcards/contactless payment and for QR codes
  • An Android tablet with eight-inch landscape screen and 5G compatibility
  • A supervisor mobile app with live tracking and messaging.

On the separate readers for smartcards/contactless payment cards and QR codes, Reading Buses says that will remove an issue that can be created when cards are kept behind mobile phones and interfere with the scanner. It will also allow future development for acceptance of electronic PlusBus tickets.

Speaking about the agreement, Reading Buses CEO Robert Williams says: “We were really impressed by the way that TransMach was able to quickly develop and adapt to meet our requirements.

“The ticket machine has become so central to so many aspects of our operation that making a change is not a simple task. All credit goes to our team, who have been working really hard behind the scenes to ensure that our customers and employees will see a seamless transition.”

Adds TransMach Director Minesh Vandra: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Reading Buses on this major ticketing upgrade project.

“TransMach’s latest generation 5G electronic ticket machines and cloud-based management support will provide the operator and its subsidiary companies with a range of enhancements, including faster payment processing and boarding times, increased passenger convenience, and more seamless automated administration.

“We are very proud to welcome Reading Buses into the TransMach family and look forward to developing this relationship in 2026 and beyond.” Rollout of the new machines will be complete by Christmas, the operator says.