Neath Port Talbot Council has welcomed news that First Cymru has joined forces with PayPoint, the local network of high street retailers, to enable customers to buy bus tickets over the counter at a number of outlets in the area.
Passengers can buy FirstMonth, and in some cases FirstWeek, tickets from their local shop at the same time as picking up a loaf of bread or pint of milk, or topping up their gas or electricity.
The move means people can pay for their bus travel in advance at their own convenience, and at the same time take advantage of the cheaper deals on bus travel that are available to those who buy multi-journey tickets in advance.
Kevin Hart, Acting Managing Director of First Cymru, said: “Customers told us they wanted an easier and more convenient way to buy their tickets in advance, so we identified PayPoint as the perfect solution, as many local newsagents, garages, supermarkets or convenience stores open long hours and often seven days a week.
Council Leader, Ali Thomas, added, “Buying tickets in advance helps speed up boarding time at the bus stop, which improves traffic flows whilst enabling First to improve reliability and punctuality for the benefit of our residents.”
FirstMonth and FirstWeek tickets will still be available on the bus from the driver, and they can also be bought online from www.firstgroup.com/etickets. First Cymru customers will be able to buy or renew their four-weekly bus tickets at any of around 350 PayPoint outlets across south and west Wales. Their locations can be found at http://www.paypoint.co.uk/locator.aspx. FirstWeek tickets will also be available at some of the PayPoint outlets in Swansea.
For more information about First Cymru, or to view timetable information, log on to: www.firstgroup.com/cymru.
