Preston Bus Tap & Go Contactless Payment 11/10/2023

Tap & Go is the easiest way for adults to pay for travel on Preston Bus. It is a contactless tap on, tap off payment system that automatically calculates the best fare for the journeys you make.

You do not need to ask the driver for a ticket or know your fare before you travel. Simply use the same contactless card or mobile payment device when you board and when you leave the bus.

How to use Tap & Go on Preston Bus

Using Tap & Go is simple:

  • Tap on using your contactless card or device when you board the bus.
  • Tap off using the reader by the door when you leave the bus.

The system records your journey and calculates the fare automatically. Tap & Go is available for adult fares only.

Preston Bus Tap & Go fares

Single journey

Return journey cap*

Day cap

Week cap

£3.50 maximum

£4.20

£6.50

£27.50

*The £4.20 return journey cap is only available when making a return journey on the same eligible Preston Bus service. Eligible services are 8, 16, 19/19A, 23 Bamber Bridge–RPH only, 31 and 35.

Daily and weekly fare capping

Tap & Go can automatically cap what you pay when you make multiple journeys.

  • You do not need to buy a day ticket or week ticket in advance.
  • If you reach the daily cap, any further Tap & Go journeys that day are free.
  • If you reach the weekly cap, any further Tap & Go journeys that week are free.
  • The Preston Bus Tap & Go charging week runs from Monday to Sunday.

Tap & Go is ideal if you travel flexibly, work hybrid hours, or only use the bus a few days a week.

Watch our Tap & Go video:

Accepted contactless payment methods

You can use the following payment methods with Preston Bus Tap & Go:

  • Visa contactless cards
  • Mastercard contactless cards
  • Apple Pay
  • Google Pay

If you use Apple Pay, you can set up Apple Express Transit so you can tap on and tap off without using Face ID or a passcode.

Can I still buy a normal bus ticket?

Yes. You can still buy paper tickets from the driver using cash or contactless payment.

If you want to buy a specific ticket, please wait until the driver has selected the ticket before presenting your card or device. If you tap too early, the system may treat your tap as a Tap & Go journey.

Preston Bus Tap & Go FAQs

What is the difference between contactless payment and Tap & Go?

With contactless payment, you ask the driver for a ticket, the driver selects the ticket, and you pay by tapping your card or device. With Tap & Go, you do not need to ask for a ticket. You simply tap on when you board and tap off when you leave. Your journeys are recorded and your card or device is charged automatically.

Can children use Tap & Go?

No. Tap & Go is only available for adult fares because the reader cannot tell whether the cardholder is an adult or a child. Child tickets can still be bought on board or through the Preston Bus mobile app.

Is Preston Bus Tap & Go linked to other bus operators?

No. Tap & Go on Preston Bus is separate from Tap & Go schemes used by other bus operators.

What happens if I forget to tap off?

If you forget to tap off, you may be charged the maximum single fare for that route, which is £3.50. If you make more Tap & Go journeys on the same day, the system will still calculate your daily fare using the journeys recorded.

Can I pay for more than one person with Tap & Go?

No. Each passenger must use their own contactless card or mobile payment device. The same card or device cannot be used twice for two passengers on the same journey.

How do I check my Preston Bus Tap & Go payments?

You can check your Tap & Go journeys and payments through the Preston Bus customer portal: https://mytrips.uk.littlepay.com/preston-bus.

What should I do if I have a Tap & Go payment query?

First, check your journeys and payments online using the Preston Bus Tap & Go customer portal: https://mytrips.uk.littlepay.com/preston-bus. If you still need help, contact Customer Care through the Preston Bus website and provide the date of the payment; the first 6 and last 4 digits of your payment card number, or your device card number; and the service numbers and dates you travelled.

 

If you have any other queries about Tap&Go, please complete our ‘Contact Customer Care’ form at Prestonbus.co.uk or call 01772 253671