Scheduled introduction dates
- Arriva - is now fully smartcard enabled. Arriva started the process in Novemember 2011 and completed the process during February 2012.
- Transdev in Keighley - introduced November 2011.
- Stagecoach Hull - introduced October 2011.
- Stagecoach Yorkshire - coming Sunday 4 March 2012.
Initially the ticket machines will only read English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) passes.
Metro has produced a leaflet called 'The smarter way to use your concessionary bus pass' (pdf,161k - opens in a new window) has a handy user guide and tips to using ENCTS passes on buses.
This leaflet will be available on buses in areas, from mid-February, when services become 'smart enabled' for ENCTS passes and also from Bus Station Travel Centres.
Handy tips for using your smart Senior or Disabled ENCTS bus passes
Do
- Have your pass, wallet or purse ready before you get on the bus to make boarding quicker.
- Put your wallet or purse on/against the reader if it has your bus pass will, in most cases, work through it.
- Wait for the green light before taking your pass off the reader. It only takes a few seconds. Don’t forget to wait for a ticket to be printed if the machine prints one.
- If you get on the bus with a friend or partner who also has a pass, both of your passes will need to be touched-in separately.
Do not
- Keep more than one pass in your holder, wallet or purse. Keep your friend or partner’s passes separate from yours so that it works on the reader.
- Get on the bus without putting your pass on the reader - and where required taking your ticket - as this counts as your journey.
- Trim, cut or make holes in your pass. This damages the card so that it cannot be read by the machine and you will need to pay for a new pass.
- Let anyone else use your pass as it is for your use only. You could lose your free travel privilege if the card is found to be misused.
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What to do if your pass doesn't scan
If your pass doesn’t work on the reader, the driver will ask to see it and advise you what to do next. You will still be allowed to travel.
In most cases you will be referred to the local authority which issued your pass to sort any problems out. In West Yorkshire, this is Metro.
If a replacement pass needs to be issued, you may have to pay a small charge for a new one subject to the type of damage.
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