People in Dundee who use a national entitlement card (NEC) for their free bus travel will find it even easier from next week.
From Monday (February 15) National Express Dundee will begin the roll out of new advanced electronic card readers on its bus fleet.
The first route to introduce the new technology will be the Downfield to Ninewells Hospital 22 service with others in the city following suit in future weeks.
And today (Thursday) at Cox Street box terminus a vehicle fitted with the new reader was available for a "dry-run" for passengers with a national entitlement card and entitled to concession fares.
Convener of Dundee City Council's city development committee Will Dawson said: "This technology, which will be fitted to all of National Express Dundee's fleet, will make it easier for passengers to get on the bus and for drivers to register the fare."
Card details are logged by the machine when a passenger passes their card under a scanner next to the driver.
Posters are being put up in 22 service buses showing how to present the cards, and drivers will be handing out leaflets to all concessionary pass holders to try to ensure that most regular travellers know about the changes.
Drivers have also been supplied with details of where passengers can get a new card if theirs fails to work with the new system and posters showing how to present the card have been displayed on buses for the past few days.
Lawrence Davie director of National Express Dundee said: "While this system will initially operate for concession cards only, we are planning to replace our 10 journey and season tickets with similar cards over the coming months which will use the same terminals. This will make boarding the bus a more enjoyable experience for passengers."
Anyone having difficulty with their cards should call 01382 433558 and a new one will be sent out within three to five days.
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