FROM August 25, people living in Brentwood, Chelmsford and the surrounding villages will be able to buy tickets on their smart phone via a new app, ‘First Bus Mobile Tickets’.

Customers simply show the driver the ticket on their mobile phone screens.

The initiative has been introduced to make it easier for customers to buy tickets and to speed up boarding times. It is hoped that the new approach will encourage more people to travel by bus and improve journey times, as well as strengthening the company’s eco credentials.

Passengers can now purchase tickets by using the app which is available for free on App Store and Google Play. Customers simply download the app, register, select the ticket they want and navigate the secure payment system.

Once the payment section is complete, bus tickets live in a virtual wallet ready for the customer to show the driver. Repeat users need only select the required tickets and confirm their debit/credit card’s security code.

First Essex General Manager, Nikki Allder, said, “Bus travel and indeed bus tickets, have changed over the years. This is great news for customers. The mTicket offers people an even easier way to travel with one of our value-for-money fares and I’m confident will help encourage more people onto First buses.

“Paperless tickets are also better for the environment and will help reduce waste.”

More information on First mTickets can be found online at www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/essex/journey_planning/mtickets/