Mobile Ticketing Technology Launched for Oxford SmartZone

Private: Oxford Bus CompanyThu 1st Sep 20222 min

Oxford SmartZone passengers are now able to purchase tickets via a mobile phone app, to make bus journeys even easier.

New digital ticketing options for Oxford SmartZone passengers have been added to both the Oxford Bus Company and Stagecoach Bus apps for the first time from 28^th August 2022. Tickets purchased on either app can be scanned on-board all Oxford SmartZone operators’ buses, meaning passengers can hop on the bus that arrives first, regardless of the operator.

It is the first time the Oxford SmartZone bus companies, comprising Oxford Bus Company, Stagecoach, Thames Travel and Arriva will be accepting tickets via a mobile app. Features include being able to purchase travel passes and multi-trip tickets in advance, or on the day of travel, including while waiting for a bus. A new app only day ticket will also be launched offering passengers the cheapest way to travel on the day at £4.20.

The new technology enables passengers to then tap their phones on buses’ QR code scanners as they board. Both apps are available to download for free from the App Store and Google Play.

Luke Marion, Oxford Bus Company and Thames Travel Interim Managing Director

“Oxford SmartZone passengers can now access information and pay for tickets quickly and easily and board any SmartZone operators’ bus. The investment in further developing our app was in response to passenger feedback and operators worked together to make bus travel more accessible and convenient.”

Rachel Geliamassi, Managing Director, Stagecoach West added: “Oxford SmartZone customers already enjoy flexible travel options, high frequency departures and great cross city links, all with a single ticket.

“We’re all used to doing more and more on our phones so it makes sense for us to move to an app based ticketing system, making life simpler for our customers – just jump on the bus and scan.” Oxford SmartZone is a scheme involving Oxford Bus Company, Stagecoach, Thames Travel and Arriva offering multi-operator ticketing on bus routes operating mainly in the Oxford City area. Oxford SmartZone ticketing is not available on the Arriva app. However, Oxford SmartZone tickets purchased on the Oxford Bus Company or Stagecoach apps will be valid for use on Arriva services.

Private: Oxford Bus Company

The Oxford Bus group of companies has connected passengers across Oxford, South Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Reading since 1881.

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