First in Manchester has launched a smarter travel package for customers that will help make bus travel simpler and more convenient for customers.
It’s previously been possible to use a pc, tablet or smartphone to get timetable information but from today it’s now possible to see up to date, real time, next bus information. The easier to use ‘Next Bus’ information is available on-line via First’s new simpler website or via the existing First Bus App. The First Bus App is available on both the iPhone and Android smartphones.
By selecting the bus stop on the screen, it’s possible to see a countdown in minutes until your bus arrives. This new initiative removes the unpredictability around using the bus and helps you plan your time allowing a little longer for a lie-in or finishing a job at work.
First have also launched free, 4G Wi-Fi on the vast majority of its buses across Greater Manchester. Customers simply connect with the First Wi-Fi facility via their settings menu, accept the terms and conditions and they are up and running to check news, sport, get up to date with friends on social media as well as journey planning.
The latest initiative represents an investment of over £1.5m by First and follows the introduction of mobile ticketing across Manchester last year allowing customers to buy their ticket directly via their smart phone.
The new technology will also provide valuable data for First to plan journeys and timetables and provide improved reliability for customers. It is hoped that by making the bus more accessible, more reliable and more attractive such as through free Wi-Fi, First can encourage even more people to use the bus which plays such an important role connecting people across the region.
