Contactless technology means that fares on the Bee Network are automatically calculated to ensure passengers pay the best value up to the daily or weekly cap.
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is collaborating with Vix Technology to launch multimodal tap-and-go across the Bee Network’s bus and tram services.
Accepting Visa and Mastercard contactless payments, passengers can use a physical card as their ‘travel token’, or a payment device with a digital wallet like Google Pay or Apple Pay.
Integrated Bee Network
TfGM is the first local transport authority in England to use bus franchising powers to take control of its bus network. It introduced a contactless payment on the tram network in 2019 and the extension marks a major milestone in the delivery of an integrated Bee Network for Greater Manchester.
“Being in Manchester to witness the transformative impact of our technology was truly inspiring,” said Aaron Ross, CEO of Vix Technology, which provides intelligent transportation systems, automated fare collection, and transit analytics services.
“TfGM has raised the bar for regional transport, creating a safe, reliable, integrated, affordable and effortless travel experience for everyone. The introduction of multimodal tap-and-go enhances daily travel for millions and highlights Greater Manchester’s innovative spirit.”
A single tap-on is all that’s needed to ride on buses, whereas tram users must tap-on and tap-off. If they use the same token for all their trips, Vix’s account-based ticketing back office works out the best available fare based on the number of trips they make.
“Tap-and-go is a real game changer for the Bee Network as the quickest and easiest way for passengers to pay for their bus and tram travel,” said Helen Humble, head of ticketing at TfGM. “Contactless technology means that fares are automatically calculated to ensure our passengers pay the best value up to the daily or weekly cap under a much simpler fare structure.
“This week is the culmination of years of hard work to deliver a public transport network that is in line with other global cities and we value the expertise that our partners at Vix have been able to provide on this journey.”
TfGM is confident that multimodal tap-and-go will be warmly received by Greater Manchester’s bus and tram users, which total more than 100 million a year. Contactless EMV (Eurocard, Mastercard and Visa) fare payments have seen strong adoption from the start, and last week TfGM announced the tram network reached a milestone of 50 million contactless journeys.
“It’s been incredibly rewarding to partner with TfGM in transforming the way Greater Manchester travels,” said Ross. “In under 18 months, we’ve helped deliver a seamless, stress-free travel experience that’s redefining regional transport standards in the UK. Manchester is now a beacon for inclusive, accessible, and affordable mobility, and we’re excited to help other public sector partners achieve similar success and set new benchmarks for their communities.”
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Quelle/Source: Smart Cities World, 27.03.2025
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