STAGECOACH bus company has today launched a mobile app allowing Oxfordshire customers to buy tickets on their phone for the first time.

Bus passengers will be able to download a smartphone app and buy tickets online while they sit at the bus stop - so long as they have an internet connection.

The company will only be offering weekly tickets on the app for the time being: the seven-day adult megarider, Plus, Gold, and Country tickets.

The news follows a similar announcement for certain Oxford Bus Company services just two weeks ago.

Stagecoach business development manager Karen Coventry said: "Many of our customers are very savvy when it comes to using their smartphones to pay for bus travel.

"Since launching contactless payment in 2016 the number of passengers who are using Apple Pay and Android Pay is increasing every day.

"That’s why we thought it was crucial to take our smartphone app to the next level by launching mobile ticketing.

"We know time is precious for everyone, so we hope the new payment method will provide even more convenience for our regular users.”

The Stagecoach app will allow passengers to pay via PayPal or a debit or credit card.

It also includes a journey planner which will use a phone's GPS to help passengers locate their nearest bus stop and the most suitable bus service.

The Stagecoach app, which has already launched in Scotland and Manchester, can be downloaded from Apple and Google Play app stores.