(04 Jul 2017, 8:03 am)Venturego wrote From Business Daily:
https://bdaily.co.uk/articles/2017/07/03...e=bulletin&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2017-07-04-north-east&utm_content=lead-story-title

Kevin Carr, managing director of Go North East, said: “Studies released on bus travel show it is a third less stressful to commute by bus than car, is good for the local economy and encourages more daily exercise.

“And, we believe, by offering contactless payment options, non-bus users who were previously worried about having incorrect change or who were put off by the ticket-buying process, may be more inclined to just pop on the bus now.

“Contactless has already been trialed for a few weeks on our popular Q3 Quaylink service in Newcastle, to great local acclaim and now we’re excited to launch it across all our services, during the popular awareness week.

“This new fast, simple and secure way to pay means our passengers can travel hassle-free, without the worry of having change for the bus.”

I'd be very interested to see this study in full. The one being referred to is here - http://www.greenerjourneys.com/news/bus-...ssful-car/, but I can only find a summary of it? It's completely subjective without seeing the research behind it.

I do agree that offering contactless payment options is a big boost for the North East. GNE joining the party means that all three principal operators now accept it. Whilst it is easier to purchase tickets with contactless being available, it does not make the ticketing options any better though. I just hope this new technology is embraced to the point of having a multi operator weekly/monthly/annual ticket, with the ability to select combinations of zones right across the North East.