Blackpool Transport adopts Ticketer Handheld devices
Blackpool Transport has extended its use of Ticketer electronic ticket machines (ETMs) with the deployment of Ticketer Handheld units across its tram fleet. They complement, and offer the same capabilities as, the fixed Ticketer machines used on the municipal operator’s buses.
Ticketer worked closely with Blackpool Transport to develop the hand-held product. Those in use accept ITSO cards, contactless bank cards and can scan QR codes. Ticketer says that the Handheld unit is also lightweight and brings a battery life that is sufficient to complete a conductor’s shift, reducing disruption to either staff or customers.
Introduction of the new machines resulted in a rapid shift towards contactless payments. Blackpool Transport expects that 70% of all fares paid onboard will utilise contactless by the end of 2022. The data collection benefit of Ticketer products is another positive, the operator says. It adds that the large number of visitors to Fylde also find benefit in contactless transactions.
Comments Managing Director Jane Cole: “Being able to offer contactless payments to our millions of tramway customers is a huge step forward in allowing us to remain innovative and provide the solutions that they want.
“Customers enjoy the increased boarding speed and ease of purchase, and the new machines bring a lot of benefits for our conductors, as well as improving our access to data and insights.”
Adds Ticketer Group General Manager UK and International Antonia Carmona: “Following the successful rollout of Ticketer ETMs across Blackpool Transport buses, we are delighted to see how the Ticketer Handhelds are opening new payment options for tram passengers.”
BYD ADL partnership delivers 1000th BEV to Stagecoach Bluebird
The BYD Alexander Dennis (ADL) partnership has delivered its 1000th zero-emission battery-electric vehicle (BEV).
The anniversary vehicle is a BYD ADL Enviro400EV, part-funded by the Scottish Government and delivered to Stagecoach Bluebird in Aberdeen. It represents the last of 22 BYD ADL Enviro400EVs part-funded by the Scottish Ultra-Low Emission Bus Scheme, and precedes a further 13 similar vehicles being funded through the award of the follow-up Zero-Emission Bus Challenge Fund.
The delivery to Stagecoach Bluebird and Managing Director Peter Knight was overseen by ADL National Account Manager Marie Connell and Scotland's Minister for Just Transition, Employment and Fair Work, Richard Lochhead.
ADL says the milestone reflects the growing pace of electric vehicle rollout, as the partnership highlights the five-year span between the first and 500th BYD ADL BEV, while the 1000th comes just one year since.
"This milestone demonstrates the incredible pace at which the transition to zero-emission mobility is now happening thanks to bus companies’ drive for innovation and government support," says Ms Connell. "With 1000 electric buses now on the road, our customers benefit from the BYD ADL partnership’s unrivalled experience. Stagecoach’s new order for another 13 of these electric double deckers will further extend the benefits as passengers will enjoy a smooth and quiet ride and the people of Aberdeen will breathe cleaner air."
Adds Mr Knight: "We are all really excited to be sharing BYD ADL's celebration of delivering its 1000th fully electric bus. Introducing these new vehicles reflects the investment both we and Scottish Government are making thanks to the Scottish Ultra-Low Emission Bus Scheme and the funding made available to support the delivery of the new buses.
"There has never been a more important time to take action to address the climate emergency and play a part in helping Scotland deliver on its net zero ambitions while improving local air quality in Aberdeen.
"The introduction of these 22 new fully electric buses on our bus routes in Aberdeen reflect our commitment to creating a greener, smarter, safer and healthier country and at the same time will deliver major benefits for the region and our customers."
Managing Director of BYD UK Frank Thorpe says the handover "underlines how BYD ADL electric buses are becoming ‘the eBus brand of choice’ for many operators".
McGill's launches new website; renews partnership with Passenger
Scottish independent McGill's has renewed its partnership with UK public transport app and website provider Passenger amid the launch of a new website.
The partnership will continue for another three years. The pair previously collaborated on the McGill's app, which was launched in October 2018.
The new website brings public transport data to desktops, including a new web-to-mobile eCommerce feature where customers can purchase tickets via the website to then access them in the McGill's app. It also provides information to let customers plan journeys and includes live bus tracking and disruption alerts, and gives information on vehicle features such as wi-fi and phone chargers. McGill's hopes it will continue to inspire more people to use the bus.
Like the app, the website is managed from Passenger Cloud, allowing staff to "work efficiently and save time when processing updates".
Says Colin Napier, Group Operations Director at McGill’s: "Our new website forms a vital part of our mission to inspire more people in Scotland to use their local bus services in favour of their cars. Not only will increased bus travel uptake help reduce congestion on the roads, but it also brings long-term environmental benefits.
"Sustainability is a core focus for our business as we’re on our way to having a fleet of over 100 battery-powered electric buses, so our new website launch complements our efforts to make public transport more appealing as a convenient, eco-friendly travel option for all."
Adds Tom Quay, CEO at Passenger: "We’re delighted to continue supporting McGill’s by providing easy-to-use technology to help its customers feel confident and in control of their journey.
"McGill’s shares our vision of building a greener future through making more sustainable transport options more accessible, and our combined efforts will help drive the overarching aims of the National Bus Strategy."
The McGill's app has reportedly seen over 32,000 active app users this month.