Aberdeen

Almex and Wayfarer systems continue to run parallel

Bus operator, First in Aberdeen, is continuing to phase in the latest ticketing technology on buses across the city with services 14/14A set to benefit from new Almex ticket machines.

The Almex machines, which are currently in operation on the service 5 lime line from Dubford to Balnagask and the number 40 park and ride service, will be introduced on services 14/14A " which operate between Kingswells and Foresterhill Hospital " from Sunday 31 May. This will bring the total number of vehicles operating with Almex machines to 26.

The ticket machines, which are designed to make boarding a bus easier and faster for passengers, are fitted with smartcard technology. They work with microchip cards " like the concessionary travel cards " and allow passengers to simply swipe their cards before the machine automatically issues the ticket.

To ensure compatibility with the new machines, First has introduced a new Travelcard for services using Almex. Similar to the farecard " which can no longer be used on service 5 and 40 and, from 31 May, services 14/14A " the Travelcard is a stored value microchip card that can be purchased in £10 and £20 denominations. When used, the value of the journey is deducted from the card and the remaining value is printed on the ticket issued by the driver. There is no time limit on using the card and it saves you having to look for change for your bus fare.

Passengers on all other First services in Aberdeen are required to use the existing farecard, which works in the same way but is compatible with the Wayfarer ticket machines still in operation on the majority of vehicles.

Passengers holding a new Travelcard but wishing to travel on services other than the 5, 14/14A and 40 must pay the cash fare or continue to use a farecard for the relevant services " the same applies to those holding a farecard and wishing to travel on services 5, 14/14A or 40.

Duncan Cameron, Operations Director for First in Aberdeen, said: "The introduction of the innovative Almex ticket machines across our fleet is another example of how we are investing in the latest technology for our passengers. However, we want to ensure that we get it right, which is why we are taking a gradual approach to their introduction.

"Until all our buses are installed with the Almex machines, we do need to operate two ticketing systems in parallel so its important that passengers know what they need to do if travelling on a service where their pre-paid card " be it the farecard or the Travelcard " cannot be used.

"We do appreciate the co-operation of our passengers while we introduce this latest technology and we look forward to seeing Almex ticket machines across our entire fleet in the future.'

First Travelcards are currently available from the First Travel Centre at 47 Union Street and Firsts head office reception at 395 King Street. Any unused amounts on farecards purchased by passengers who now need to use the new Travelcard can be transferred to the new card at the First Travel Centre only.
For further information on the new Almex machines, First Travelcards and First in Aberdeen services, call busline on 01224 650065, drop into the First Travel Centre at 47 Union Street or visit www.firstgroup.com.