How to pay for the bus in Bath?

You can pay for buses in Bath using contactless bank cards/phones (Apple/Google Pay), the First Bus app for digital tickets, or cash directly to the driver, though digital/contactless is preferred for speed. The most convenient methods are tapping your card/phone or using the First Bus app, which offer fare capping and can be faster than fumbling for change.

Do buses in Bath take contactless?

Other ways to buy tickets

Cash and contactless card payments are accepted on First Bus, Bath Bus Company, and Faresaver services, however paying by card or with the exact fare in cash is strongly encouraged to avoid delays.

How to pay for a bus ride?

Paying for Your Ride

1. Contactless Bank Cards (credit/debit cards) and Mobile Wallets.
2. SimplyGo EZ-Link Cards.
3. NETS Prepaid Cards.
4. EZ-Link and NETS FlashPay Cards.

Can I use a credit card for a bus?

American Express, Mastercard, NETS and Visa bank cards with the EMVCo Contactless Indicator, including foreign-issued cards*, and co-brand cards (contactless bank cards with EZ-Link or NETS FlashPay functionality) are accepted in public transit.

Can you pay on the bus for a ticket?

Where to buy your ticket: In public transport with contactless payment. You can pay for your trip using your contactless bank card (debit or credit), smartphone or smartwatch. Every STIB bus, tram and metro station is equipped with a specific contactless payment device.

How To Board The Bus and Pay

Is it cheaper to buy a bus ticket online or on the bus?

It's almost always cheaper to buy your bus ticket online or via the operator's app before you board, with savings on single fares and significant discounts on multi-day or monthly passes, as onboard purchases often incur a premium or require exact change, making digital booking more convenient and economical. 

What happens if I forget to tap out on a bus?

If you don't tap off the bus, you'll typically be charged the single fare to the very end of the route, which is usually the highest possible fare for that bus, rather than the shorter distance you actually traveled, leading to overcharging. This often means you miss out on fare capping and pay more than intended, but you can usually contact the bus company's customer service to get a refund for the overcharge. 

Can a debit card be used for a bus?

If your credit or debit card is 'contactless-enabled', you will see this logo on the front of your card. This means your credit or debit card is enabled for fare payment on transit. Just tap your contactless credit or debit card at the MRT fare gate or card reader on buses.

How to buy a bus ticket in Bath?

Bus Tickets: You can purchase tickets using the First Bus app, or on board from the driver on all buses. All buses in the city accept cash and contactless card payments, but the latter is preferred.

How to pay with phone on bus?

Tap & go™ on buses and trains with your phone

Say goodbye to empty fare cards when you tap and go with Mastercard on Google Pay. To pay on public transport, simply unlock your phone - no need to open the app*, then hold the back of your phone to the fare reader upon entry and exit.

Can I tap my debit card to get on the bus?

Easy. Simply tap your card or smart device at the start and end of your trip just like you would with your go card. Learn more about how to use contactless payments.

Do I tap off with a debit card on a Go bus?

You can now tap on and off with your credit or debit card on a PRESTO device, including those cards on your phone or watch to pay for your GO adult fare discount!

Can I use my Visa debit card on the bus?

Instead, you can now use Visa on your smart device or the same contactless Visa credit, debit, or prepaid card you use for everyday purchases to tap and ride — from bus to train to ferry and beyond.

Do I have to tap off the bus?

On public buses

Take the card out from wallet/bag and tap it on the card reader when boarding and alighting. If you have tapped the card correctly, the card reader will emit light and a beep tone.

Do we need to tap twice on a bus?

On a bus or tram you only need to touch in. Because where you touch in and out tells us where you've travelled from and to, so we can charge you the right fare for your journey.

How do I buy a first bus ticket?

mTickets: One of the best ways to buy tickets is to use mTickets on the First Bus App, it's quick, easy and cash free. Download the app and follow the instructions, it's that simple.

What happens if you forget to tap off a bus?

If you don't tap off the bus, you'll typically be charged the single fare to the very end of the route, which is usually the highest possible fare for that bus, rather than the shorter distance you actually traveled, leading to overcharging. This often means you miss out on fare capping and pay more than intended, but you can usually contact the bus company's customer service to get a refund for the overcharge. 

Can I pay with a credit card on a bus?

Where to pay with contactless? Not only spending at merchants, you may also tap to pay your MTR, bus or taxi fares with speed and ease enabled by contactless payments. Whether consuming or commuting, you can tap to pay with your contactless Visa card or payment-enabled device wherever you see the Contactless Symbol.

What happens if I don't tap off with my debit card?

If you do not tap on and tap off correctly

you will be charged the default fare for an incomplete trip which is the maximum possible fare for that service, based on your Opal card type. You will never be charged over the Daily Travel Cap.

Can I use my debit card for a bus?

Yes, you can use your debit card on most buses for contactless payment, just tap it on the reader like you would in a shop; look for the contactless symbol on your card (Visa, Mastercard, etc.), tap it on the reader when boarding ( telling the driver your destination if needed), and wait for the beep; ensure you use the same card or device for tapping in and out to avoid overpaying, and check your local transit provider's policy for specific details, as some (like American Express) might not be accepted.