The Key to Reducing the Cost of Travel - Coming to Team Valley Soon
June 9, 2010
The region's first bus smartcards were unveiled yesterday. Go North East is piloting the cards on the Number 20 service, the "Prince Bishop", between Durham and Sunderland. They are expected to be available soon on all Go North East routes.
Passengers with the pre-paid cards, known as The Key, will swipe them on a ticket machine as they board. The fare will then be deducted. Passengers top-up their cards on line or by telephone.
The cards, which are part of a national initiative by the Go Ahead Group, will eventually allow travel with other operators.
Go North East managing director, Peter Huntley, said "The Key will offer passenger benefits, savings and improved convenience. We are entering a new and exciting era of tickeing for our customers and the region as a whole."