NIBS Buses partners with TransMach for contactless
Essex-based NIBS Buses is partnering with smart ticketing provider, TransMach, for the installation of fully contactless travel on its scheduled routes and private school services.
Following a three month trial of TransMach’s onboard TM500 machine, NIBS has rolled out the units across its entire fleet of 34 vehicles with technical support from TransMach. The upgrade has enabled the operator to manage BODS submissions seamlessly, including generating timetables and fare information from one system. Utilising built-in GPS tracking, TransMach’s package also enables an online interface, so that passengers can track their bus service in real time.
(L to R) Minesh Vandra of Transmach and Bill Hiron, owner of NIBS Buses
In addition to the retro-fitment of its onboard system, which allows passengers to use any contactless debit or credit card or smartphone payment app when boarding, TransMach is developing a bespoke online school portal for NIBS. This will allow parents to purchase travel smartcards for their children, which will not only improve customer convenience but will also reduce operator costs by removing the handling of cash payments.
Recognising the need for flexibility, the portal will enable users to book single tickets ad-hoc, a carnet package of journeys, or a whole term’s worth of school bus travel. There’s also an automatic payment facility, so that any booking interruptions are avoided, as well as a seat management function, to ensure that services are never over-booked.
“We were impressed with the trials we carried out using TransMach’s onboard contactless machines” – Bill Hiron, Managing Director of Stephensons of Essex
Bill Hiron, Managing Director of Stephensons of Essex, which owns NIBS Buses, said: “We were impressed with the trials we carried out using TransMach’s onboard contactless machines. They accommodated all our requests in record time and have shown great flexibility. It is nice to support other SMEs and our business was very happy to place this important order with TransMach.”
“Our mission is to enable 100% contactless travel for public and private transport operators, which delivers value for money, that’s backed up by an expert and friendly technical support team” – TransMach’s Director, Minesh Vandra
TransMach’s Director, Minesh Vandra, said: “Our mission is to enable 100% contactless travel for public and private transport operators, which delivers value for money, that’s backed up by an expert and friendly technical support team. TransMach is delighted to welcome NIBS to its growing network of customers, who benefit from our personal touch and bespoke approach to every project. We believe that a large number of small to medium-sized operators are still using early generation ticketing machines, so we remain focused on helping these businesses to upgrade to a fully contactless ticketing solution, which is far more cost effective and convenient.”
Equipped with an LCD touchscreen and high-speed contactless reader, TransMach’s TM500 features a 4G data connection, running on Android, enabling boarding data to be logged through the company’s own cloud-based management system. Concession fare reports are produced automatically, thereby reducing operator administration and generating faster electronic reimbursement from local authorities. The TM500 is supplied with TransMach’s mobile App, which provides bus tracking, revenue and passenger load data, plus driver messaging functionality.