Translink introduces pre-pay ticket vending machines

The machines enable passenger to pre-pay for their journeys using both cash and card payments.

They have been installed at Europa Buscentre, Cairnshill Park & Ride and the George Best Belfast City Airport.

In a statement announcing the new ticket purchase option, Translink said: “The roll out of off-board ticketing is a key part of Translink’s Future Ticketing System that is transforming public transport and providing safe and simple ticket solutions for customers in addition to speeding up bus journeys for all customers by reducing boarding times at the bus stop.

“It reinforces Translink’s drive to increase contactless and cashless ticketing across the network while supporting the organisation’s Covid-19 pandemic response also asking customers to wear face-coverings, wash/sanitise hands frequently and socially distance as much as possible.”

An additional accessibility feature is the machine’s adjustable touch screen for ticket selection which can be dragged up or down to suit the height of each customer.

The Translink statement goes on to say: “These new TVMs accept credit and debit cards and are available for contactless payments (up to £45) as well as accepting coins and notes and providing change.

“Customers can purchase single, return and Friends & Family tickets as well as top up any existing Translink smartcard product such as Smartlink, dayLink and iLink.”

The machines have been developed to compliment the existing ticket purchase option via the Translink website, the ticket offices and through the dedicated mobile app.