The new contactless ‘tap and go’ payment system has been launched by the Bee Network to make travel “more affordable and more convenient than ever before.”
The new system delivered across Greater Manchester has been launched on Sunday 23 March and will allow passengers to seamlessly travel between buses and trams.
The new ‘London-style’ contactless system will allow Salford residents to pay for their journey by tapping on when boarding a bus without the need for a ticket.
The new ‘tap and go’ payment has been launched to make it the quickest and easiest way to pay for travel, by introducing it to both Bee Network buses and trams.
The development has also been enhanced for the future, with the integration of rail services and stations into the Bee Network by 2028.
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: “We said we would deliver a London-style transport network for the people and businesses of Greater Manchester and that is exactly what we have done.
“We have led the way with franchising and been able to bring buses together with the largest tram network in the country under one system that makes travelling across Greater Manchester easier, more affordable and more convenient than ever before.”
He continued: “Today is the culmination of years of hard work to deliver a public transport network befitting of Greater Manchester’s place as a world-leading city-region that works for our people, businesses and many millions of visitors.”
With the new system, Salford residents will be able to travel without the need of a physical ticket – however, those still wanting to pay cash or purchase a ticket can still do so onboard or via the Bee Network app.
And with more than 16.5 million journeys being made using contactless travel last year – a 20 per cent increase on the previous year – contactless tap and go has become the most popular way for customers to pay for travel.
Vernon Everitt, Transport Commissioner for Greater Manchester, said: “Tap and go will be a real game changer for the Bee Network as the quickest and easiest way for passengers to pay for their bus and tram travel.
“Automatic capping of fares opens up opportunities to make more flexible and affordable journeys under a simpler fares structure.”
He continued: “Payment by contactless bank card is already the most popular way to pay for travel on Metrolink with record numbers of people using it every year.
“After integrating the way people pay for Metrolink and bus journeys, our focus will move on to working with Government and the rail industry to bring train travel within this system.
“By 2028 Greater Manchester will then have a fully joined-up fares system across tram, bus and local train services.”
And with the Bee Network continuing to transform transport around Greater Manchester, Salford residents will be able to enjoy more frequent and reliable services, more accessible vehicles and affordable fares.
More information about the changing service can be found here.
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