AN improved mobile phone app has been launched by Oxford Bus Company to make passenger journeys even easier.

The app now allows passengers to see their bus or coach on a map as it approaches, and to plan their journeys.

Features include being able to buy travel passes and multi-trip tickets in advance, or on the day of travel, including while they wait for a bus.

New technology also allow passengers to tap their phones on buses’ machines to complete their transaction.

The revised app was launched last month and has now been fully introduced. It is available to download for free from the App Store and Google Play.

Oxford Bus Company managing director, Phil Southall, said: “Since launching our original app in 2015, technology has developed and passengers have become increasingly tech savvy, so we have invested in taking our provision to the next level.

“We are committed to making bus and coach travel as accessible and convenient as possible for customers and allowing them to access information and pay for their travel in a way which suits them is vital.

“Many of the new features were included as a direct result of customer feedback, including being able to see where buses are and purchasing tickets.”

Following customer feedback, the app was redesigned to provide up-to-the-minute travel information.

Mr Southall said the revamped app was one of series of measures designed to make bus travel easier.

He added: “When you combine the use of the app with other features like mobile ticketing – where you scan a barcode on your phone onto a machine on the bus – it all adds up to making journeys more efficient for passengers.

“You can also top up The Key, a rechargeable travel smartcard that saves passengers money.

“Cash transactions take about 10 seconds each but when you use The Key it takes less than half the time.”

Mr Southall said the improved app added to a range of choices for passengers and there was no intention to rule out cash payments.

He added: “It’s all about creating choice for our passengers – our objective is not to exclude anyone.

“But if we can encourage and incentivise quicker ways of paying for journeys then that’s a good thing for our passengers and drivers.

“We have to be careful not to exclude the most socially deprived people in our city so cash must stay as a payment option for now.”

Passengers can now use the app to top up their Key travelcards and then use them within three hours. Previously they had to wait 48 hours to make a journey after topping up their cards.

For more information visit oxfordbus.co.uk