York independents on myTrip

York’s three independent bus operators Reliance Motor Services, York Pullman and Connexionsbuses are all using myTrip, which is thought to be the UK’s first multi-operator bus ticketing app. myTrip lets users make cashless and contact-free ticket purchases and track buses in real-time with live location updates.

With three independent bus operators serving the region, plus larger operators running routes through and around the city, public transport is crucial to keeping York moving. The City of York has 200,000 permanent residents and is a popular tourist destination thanks to its historical landmarks and cultural events.

Reliance Motor Services operate 18 buses across a wide network around North Yorkshire and the City of York and described the news as ‘a real bonus for passenger mobility in York’. York Pullman carries over 1,000,000 passengers annually and Connexionsbuses operate 35 buses on a mixed network of Schools and Commercial Services in North and West Yorkshire.

myTrip was launched in September 2020 in response to changing operator and user needs due to Covid-19. It was designed especially for the UK’s smaller operators, and is an affordable way for operators to offer cashless and contact-free ticketing, live bus tracking and fulfil BODS (Bus Open Data Service) regulations.

Gary Newby, Managing Director, Reliance Motor Services, said: “myTrip has changed the game for us. Feedback from passengers has shown a demand for the enhanced features myTrip offer and the service from Passenger is first class. They have come out of the blocks and delivered a multi-operator solution to a genuine issue we are facing in the industry.”

myTrip is the first multi-operator app to be designed, built and priced for smaller operators. It allows for cashless and contact-free transactions and helps operators and users manage social distancing requirements. Users can also see detailed information about each vehicle (including accessibility features) and can gift tickets via the app.

Craig Temple, Managing Director, Connexionsbuses, said: “We have been looking for a secure and reliable mobile ticketing app for some time, and myTrip is perfect for us. It has been very well received and is now in use throughout our network. Our partner schools and parents particularly appreciate the live tracking so they can see where buses are in real-time.”