Tap and Go contactless payments launch on Bee Network buses

‘Tap and Go’ contactless payments have launched on Bee Network buses in Stockport and across Greater Manchester, offering passengers and commuters an easier way to pay for their journeys.

The new service went live on Sunday 23rd March, and allows adult full fare paying passengers to tap their contactless card, phone or smart watch when boarding the bus and only be charged the cheapest fare for their journey, up to the weekly cap. For buses passengers will pay no more than £5/day or £20/week to make as many journeys as they like. For those using both buses and trams, passengers will get unlimited travel across all four zones for a max of £9.50/day or £41/week by integrating with the existing touch-in, touch-out contactless payment system used on the Metrolink.

It’s a huge step forward for a London-style Bee Network, as it means people can travel without having to plan which tickets to buy – and without buying tickets in advance.

Greater Manchester’s vision of a London-style integrated transport system is being realised, meaning a greener, cheaper and more reliable network is quickly taking shape. This is another step in helping businesses in Greater Manchester to retain and recruit talent, improve productivity, and open up more opportunities for those working in the city-region.

Regional transport body, Transport for the North has welcomed these important changes which will help people to use public transport more easily and with a much simpler way to pay for their journeys. Transport for the North Deputy Chief Executive Katie Day said:

“Today [23rd March] marks a significant day for the Bee Network in Greater Manchester and for everyone travelling on buses and trams in the area. We applaud the significant efforts of everyone who has worked hard to deliver these changes that will deliver improved transport in the North.”