What are the benefits of me using a Busway Smartcard?
There are three major benefits to purchasing and using a Busway Smartcard
- flexibility of travel
- it's a turn up and go solution
- peace of mind
The Busway Smartcard provides the total flexibility of inter-operator travel on the Busway. With a Busway Smartcard you can travel on any Stagecoach or Whippet Busway service using one ticket. The Busway Smartcard is a turn up and go solution. You can board the first Busway service that arrives at your stop; there is no need for you to marry your ticket with an individual operator's service. And finally that all important peace of mind; buying your Busway ticket in advance by smartcard means one less thing to worry about and definately no queuing at the ticket machine. You're good to go! Enjoy the ride on the world's longest Busway.
Is the smartcard difficult to use?
Not at all. Simply place your card on the driver’s ticket machine, the light will change from red to green and your trip will be deducted from the card. The ticket will confirm the trip you are making and will also tell you how many single trips remain on your smartcard. A return journey requires two single trips to be used. The bus driver will help you if you are unsure.
How much does the smartcard cost?
The cost depends on how far you intend to travel. Prices are for ten single trips and range from £18 for the shortest journey and up to £30 for the longest. A table of costs is available on the pages where you purchase your card
How do I get a smartcard and how long will it take to receive?
Order the card online from Cambridgeshire County Council’s website. When purchasing a Busway Smartcard you will be asked to select the trip you plan to make using the card. Once the transaction is completed the card will be dispatched to you within three working days and delivered by post. The card comes loaded with ten single trips; you can start to use them as soon as it arrives.
Is there an expiry date for the ten trips loaded onto my card?
Yes there is and so the ten trips must be taken within two months of purchase. Trips that have not been used will expire and are non-refundable.
Is the Busway Smartcard valid on other Stagecoach and Whippet services?
No it is not. The Busway Smartcard can only be used on Busway services. For travel on non Busway services operated by Stagecoach or Whippet you’ll need to purchase one of their tickets. See the right hand links to operator sites for information on their tickets and prices.
Will the operators still sell their own Busway tickets?
Yes they will. But it’s important to remember that if you buy a Stagecoach ticket for example, you cannot use that ticket to travel on a Whippet Busway service. Only the Busway Smartcard will provide the flexibility and convenience of inter-operator travel.
If my journey requires me to transfer onto a second Busway service is this possible with a smartcard and will it only cost one trip?
Yes to both questions. You’ll need to place your smartcard on the ticket machine when you board both your first and second Busway service. A second trip will not be deducted from your card as long as you board the second bus within 55 minutes of boarding the first service. For trips from Huntingdon it is recommended passengers change at St Ives Park & Ride. It is not permitted to transfer services where a direct service is available as this will be charged as two separate trips.
What happens if my card is lost or stolen; I want to add further journeys once it’s been purchased; I want others to use my card; or the card is faulty?
It is important that you keep the smartcard safe. Trips loaded onto smartcards are non-refundable; losing your card would be similar to losing cash. You can add further trips simply by paying the bus driver. Just let the driver know immediately that you wish to purchase extra trips, before he deducts your current journey. Trips can only be purchased in blocks of ten. Your family and friends can share a smartcard and use it at different times. However, if you are travelling on the same bus you will need a smartcard for each person. Only one single trip can be deducted when you board the bus, it is not possible to swipe the card more than once to pay for each passenger. If you suspect that your card may be faulty email guided.busway@cambridgeshire.gov.uk or telephone 01223 845561 (Monday to Friday 09:00 to16:00). Your card may need to be sent away to be tested to resolve the problem, but we will discuss this with you.
Is my concessionary bus pass valid on the Busway?
Yes it is. The terms and conditions of use are the same on the Busway as they are on other Cambridgeshire buses. Just place your pass on the ticket machines when boarding and take the ticket issued.