First renews multi-million pound Ticketer contract
First Bus today (11 June 2025) announces a £20m investment and renewed multi-year partnership with electronic ticket machine (ETM) specialist Ticketer.
First has worked with Ticketer for over a decade. The continued partnership will see the roll-out of new ETMs, a project currently underway following a £10m upfront investment, with the first two depots in York and Worcester (operating a combined 850 buses) already being fitted.
Ticketer is providing its TK300 driver console, Voice Messaging, Enhanced Predictions and Mobile Device Management, among a suite of enhanced future capabilities designed to elevate the passenger experience, support operational excellence and empower drivers with smarter, real-time tools.
These innovations – part of a broader wave of upcoming advancements – are expected to harness data-driven insights, seamless integration and user-centric design to deliver the next generation of connected transport services.
“We’ve listened to our drivers’ needs and worked tirelessly to provide them with the best option to make this element of their job as efficient as possible” – Simon Mathieson, Director of Operational Excellence for First Bus
Simon Mathieson, Director of Operational Excellence for First Bus, said: “We’re pleased to be extending our partnership with Ticketer for a further five years and continuing to give our people and passengers the best travel experience when using the bus. We’ve listened to our drivers’ needs and worked tirelessly to provide them with the best option to make this element of their job as efficient as possible.
“This renewal is testament to our strong working relationship with Ticketer, and our shared commitment to delivering innovative solutions as part of our commitment to improving services for our drivers and customers time and time again.”
“Our partnership with First Bus has always been rooted in innovation, mutual trust and a shared mission to make public transport better for everyone” – Adam Toone, Chief Commercial and Operations Officer, Ticketer
Adam Toone, Chief Commercial and Operations Officer, Ticketer, added: “Our partnership with First Bus has always been rooted in innovation, mutual trust and a shared mission to make public transport better for everyone. We’re thrilled to continue working closely with First Bus to push the boundaries of what’s possible in bus travel and are excited to see where our partnership will take them next.”