ANGRY commuters have criticised the decision by First Worcester to restrict sales of their 10-journey Worcester ticket to just their mobile app.
The bus service provider has stopped selling the ticket through its usual outlets such as Worcester’s Tourist Information Centre in favour of its mTickets app.
Transport chiefs at First say the decision is part of ‘significant investment’ in the city but the move has been met with criticism by commuters.
Michele Jones contacted the Observer after visiting the Tourist Information Office where she was told of the changes.
“As the lady behind the counter pointed out, they sell quite a lot of these tickets also to people who have bus passes, who then use them when they have to use buses to get to hospital etc at times when they can’t use their passes.
“Not everyone has a smart phone as First Bus appear to think!.
The paper ticket allowed commuters to pay in advance for up to 10 journeys at a discounted fare in the city and were sold by drivers and at locations across Worcester.
Commuters with journeys left on their tickets are also being advised to use them up by Saturday as the paper ticket will not be accepted after that date.
Another commuter, who didn’t wish to be named, said: “What about those who don’t have smart phones or aren’t confident with eTicketing? Why should they suddenly have to pay full fare?”
A First spokesperson said, “As part of a significant investment in Worcester we will shortly be introducing new ticket machines with enhanced features – such as contactless payment – but unfortunately it means we are no longer able to issue 10journey tickets on board.
“In addition, printed 10journey tickets have been a significant source of fraudulent use on board which we are naturally keen to address.
“Our mTickets app is available for iPhone and Android and means that 10journey users are never without access to their ticket and can also pay with card or Barclays Pingit.”
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