TRANSDEV Blazefield – which operates Keighley Bus Company – is to trial 'touch and go' contactless fare-capping on its services.

The initiative means that by simply 'touching in and out' at the start and finish of their journey, passengers' weekly fares will be automatically capped at the correct amount.

Transdev is the first bus operator in the north to introduce the technology.

"We have a strong track record of innovation and this is yet another example of our determination to attract new customers and add further convenience for our valued existing users," said chief executive officer, Alex Hornby.

"Our customers have reacted very positively to the convenience and flexibility of contactless payments on all our buses and we’re now looking forward to taking the next step.

"This amazing ticketing technology represents a logical progression for us, as it promises to deliver guaranteed best value for money for our customers every time they travel, while helping us to provide an on-time service by speeding-up boarding at bus stops."

The system, already used on London's transport network, means passengers with a contactless bank card don't need to choose a specific type of ticket before boarding a bus.

Transdev Blazefield has won financial backing from Transport for the North to pilot the scheme.

The company successfully bid for £50,000 from the strategic transport body's Innovation Initiative package, created to support the introduction of new smart-travel technology.

Working with suppliers, the firm will now conduct parallel tests of two types of contactless fare-capping – one using a separate card reader and the other utilising existing ticket machines.

The trials are expected to start on selected routes in February.

Alastair Richards, integrated and smart-travel director with Transport for the North, said: "We are working to introduce initiatives that will make travelling on public transport easier to find out about, and quicker and easier to pay for, right across the north.

"Piloting different approaches to contactless capping is a key part of our integrated smart travel programme.

"We have awarded the grant to Transdev to demonstrate 'touch on, touch off' (ToTo) capability in a live environment. In parallel, we have also commissioned research to supplement the understanding of the ToTo technology.

"The outcomes from this trial will help develop our vision for contactless card payments on buses across the north, supported by a 'fair price promise' for customers, to ensure they pay the right fare for the journeys they make. The results will also help bus operators choose between different ticketing systems on the market now and in the future."