A historic ticket machine once used on Coventry buses has been unearthed – as brand new ticketing technology is coming to the city’s buses.
Stagecoach announced last week that state-of-the-art Ticketer TK300 machines will be rolled out across the region, including Coventry. These next-generation ticket machines are computer-enabled and capable of storing hundreds of routes across different depots, dispensing tickets at the touch of a button.
They continuously track the bus’s location, allowing customers to view this information via the Stagecoach App.
The machines also feature QR readers and accept both smart and contactless cards for convenient payment, while ensuring consistent pricing throughout the region.
A built-in microphone and speakers enable two-way communication between bus drivers and local depots.
The new ticketing machines – just a bit different from the old Setright technology
To mark the roll-out, Stagecoach have released a picture of an older form of ticketing technology, the Setright machine. Once a familiar sight on transport across the region, the portable Setright relied on a series of dials and a handle to produce paper tickets for passengers.
This technology was used from the 1930s to the 1980s and replaced pre-printed paper tickets. They were phased out when modern, electronic fare machines began to be used.
Mark Whitelocks, Managing Director of Stagecoach Midlands, said: “As we work to introduce these ultra-modern pieces of technology, it is important that we remember our heritage of such iconic items as the ticket machine, but also appreciate the modern technology which helps to get our loyal customers where they need to go as quickly and conveniently as possible.
“A modern bus is a technological marvel – and we are proud to continue to bring modern technology to the heart of this forward-looking and progressive region. Features like contactless payment are essential for new customers in the modern day.”
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