Highland Council Buses Upgrades Ticketing Technology to Improve Passenger Experience
The Highland Council is investing in upgraded ticketing technology across its Highland Council Buses fleet to help make journeys quicker, smoother and more reliable for passengers.
The Council has introduced Ticketer's next-generation TK300 ticket machines across half of its existing ticket machine estate following a successful trial in July.
Welcoming the new technology, Chair of The Highland Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Councillor Ken Gowans, said:
"These are replacing hand-held devices in our 12 service buses and will make boarding speedier and more efficient for all our passengers. With improved built-in connectivity, these sturdy, reliable machines will also greatly assist our drivers.
"Since the £2 single fare bus cap came into operation, we have evidenced passenger numbers greatly increase and we are always looking at ways to improve our customer experience.
“The upgrade forms yet another part of The Highland Council's ongoing commitment to enhancing the quality and reliability of its in-house bus services, which launched in January 2023.”
The TK300 combines ticketing, automatic vehicle location (AVL) technology and real-time operational information within a single integrated platform. The new machines will provide improved connectivity, support drivers with a fast and intuitive interface, and help deliver a better experience for passengers.
Alongside the ticket machine investment, Highland Council Buses is also expanding its use of Ticketer's Schedule Adherence system. The technology uses real-time vehicle data to provide greater visibility of service performance, helping to monitor punctuality, identify trends and support informed operational decision-making.
The system also enables more accurate real-time passenger information through third-party journey planning apps and bus stop displays, giving passengers better visibility of their services.
Adam Toone, Chief Operating Officer at Ticketer, said: "Highland Council Buses' decision to proceed just one week into the trial reflects the powerful capabilities of the Ticketer TK300. We are delighted to be building on our relationship as the team upgrades half of its ticket machine estate.
"By also making full use of Schedule Adherence, Highland Council Buses will gain clearer visibility of service performance to support informed operational decisions. We look forward to supporting the team through the upgrade and beyond."