Pulhams launches contactless tap-on tap-off payment system

Passengers will be able to use the new Freeflow system starting Sunday, July 26, making bus journeys faster and more convenient.

The move follows successful rollouts by sister operators Oxford Bus Company and Thames Travel.

Luke Marion, managing director of Pulhams, said: “This is another important step in our ongoing investment in modern ticketing technology.

“We continue to embrace technology and ensure our services are fully accessible.

“With Freeflow, passengers simply tap on and tap off, and the system calculates the best possible fare for their journey.

“It removes the need to carry the right money or choose the correct ticket, and it helps speed up boarding, so journeys are faster and more convenient.”

Developed in partnership with Ticketer, the hardware has been funded by Gloucestershire County Council.

The system works with contactless bank cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.

Freeflow automatically calculates the correct fare based on distance travelled and supports daily and weekly fare capping.

Councillor Roger Whyborn, cabinet member for sustainable transport at Gloucestershire County Council, said: “We want to make using the bus as simple and convenient as possible, and this new tap on, tap off system is a great example of how technology can improve the passenger experience.

“It speeds up boarding and helps ensure people always get the best value for their journey.”

The scheme is part of Pulhams’ wider efforts to modernise its ticketing offer and will be available across most of its network.