WM Bus Photos Forum

Has anyone used one of these Signature smartcards yet?
http://networkwestmidlands.com/Signaturecard/signaturecard.aspx

I haven't myself yet, as I don't use those routes, but having used an Oyster card myself while travelling in London, I think they're a great idea and would work very well up here too.

At the moment I only use NXWM buses myself, as I buy a monthly Regional Faresaver by direct debit, and would have to pay extra cash to use other operators services.

But if the Smartcard could be set up in such a way, as Tony has suggested before, so you can still buy a monthly-pass, for unlimited travel on NXWM buses, but still be used to purchase tickets (at a discounted price) on other operators services also, then that might encourage me to make use of other services as well.

What are other people's thoughts and ideas?

I'm sure I read somewhere on the Centro website that they're going to introduce the cards in the Dudley area next, but I may be mistaken.

Quote from: Michael on April 09, 2012, 09:25:28 PM
I'm sure I read somewhere on the Centro website that they're going to introduce the cards in the Dudley area next, but I may be mistaken.

Yes as part of the improvements in Brierley hill:
http://www.centro.org.uk/nmsruntime/saveasdialog.aspx?lID=7711&sID=4284

When is the Swift Card going to be released to the public? It keeps getting later and later. You could see the webpage about it on the Network West Midlands site a couple of months ago, but now nothing!

This would go towards helping cut fare dodgers on the buses, as there would be less people waving scruffy, old tickets in the drivers' faces and they would know who to call back.

Soon hopefully not having a bag of cash of vault of money would be a lot safer to drivers and also a little less noisy due to rattling cash trays, vaults etc

http://www.networkwestmidlands.com/swiftcard/swiftcard.aspx

The new card only introduced a few days ago
Got one and it is OK but want to know what you think and whether it will work out in the WM region
Seems similar to the oyster card system with the introduction of being able to put nBus season tickets on in January

Why arent NXWM accepting???

Hmm so where I live there'd be no point in having it because none of those operators serve here. Please tell me the big operators are going to start using the system, or would that be dangerously joined-up thinking!

Quote from: Mr Wood on October 23, 2012, 03:17:31 PM
Hmm so where I live there'd be no point in having it because none of those operators serve here. Please tell me the big operators are going to start using the system, or would that be dangerously joined-up thinking!

Diamond, Central Buses, Travel Express, Sandwell Travel and Green Bus - shame NXWM i hope they use soon

I read in an article elsewhere that NXWM are looking to introduce their own smartcard, maybe why they're not joining the Swift scheme.

It does seem daft if this happens, as I'd rather just have one smartcard I could use on all buses, instead of having two. At the moment I only use NXWM buses regularly anyway, but it'd be nice to be able to have the option of using other buses, without having to find cash to buy a ticket.

So what if you make multiple journey's in one day?

The Oyster Card in London will cap your fare so you never pay more than a One Day travelcard!

Quote from: Stu on October 23, 2012, 07:12:06 PM
I read in an article elsewhere that NXWM are looking to introduce their own smartcard, maybe why they're not joining the Swift scheme.

It does seem daft if this happens, as I'd rather just have one smartcard I could use on all buses, instead of having two. At the moment I only use NXWM buses regularly anyway, but it'd be nice to be able to have the option of using other buses, without having to find cash to buy a ticket.

I agree
Cause trial Signature were successful Swift was introduced
There is no daily cap according to the terms and conditions leaflet

Quote from: Stuharris63 on October 23, 2012, 07:17:09 PM
So what if you make multiple journey's in one day?

The Oyster Card in London will cap your fare so you never pay more than a One Day travelcard!

And that's what I like most about the Oyster card, you can just get on and off buses and tubes, regardless of the operator. However, London transport does run completely different to here in the West Midlands, as all routes are operated under contract to TfL.

Here in the West Midlands, I'd like an Oyster-style smartcard, that allowed me to load a 'monthly' ticket for NXWM (which I do now, by paying for my monthly pass by Direct Debit) but then load on money for 'pay-as-you-go' journeys with other bus operators. Is that too much to ask?  ::)

Quote from: Stu on October 23, 2012, 07:25:01 PM

Quote from: Stuharris63 on October 23, 2012, 07:17:09 PM
So what if you make multiple journey's in one day?

The Oyster Card in London will cap your fare so you never pay more than a One Day travelcard!

And that's what I like most about the Oyster card, you can just get on and off buses and tubes, regardless of the operator. However, London transport does run completely different to here in the West Midlands, as all routes are operated under contract to TfL.

Here in the West Midlands, I'd like an Oyster-style smartcard, that allowed me to load a 'monthly' ticket for NXWM (which I do now, by paying for my monthly pass by Direct Debit) but then load on money for 'pay-as-you-go' journeys with other bus operators. Is that too much to ask?  ::)

Nope
London Midland's smartcard already supports this oyster system as in you tap in and tap out of locations (allows breaks in between) as well as auto monthly load of tickets

Dragging an old topic up here but have there been any developments yet with regards to an NXWM Smartcard, it has been ages now and I haven't heard or seen any mention of it.

Quote from: trident4370 on July 21, 2014, 09:00:51 PM
Dragging an old topic up here but have there been any developments yet with regards to an NXWM Smartcard, it has been ages now and I haven't heard or seen any mention of it.

Some daysavers in Coventry are now being issued on Swift

Quote from: Tony on July 21, 2014, 09:13:16 PM

Quote from: trident4370 on July 21, 2014, 09:00:51 PM
Dragging an old topic up here but have there been any developments yet with regards to an NXWM Smartcard, it has been ages now and I haven't heard or seen any mention of it.

Some daysavers in Coventry are now being issued on Swift

Well that's something, one of my concerns with Swift was the lack of a daily cap so I'm glad the daysaver will be compatible if and when it finally rolls out properly.

I noticed the other day Johnsons are now accepting them on the 150 (presumably as far as Wythall).

How will the daysaver be issued though, will you have to swipe your Swift card on every bus you go on, or do you swipe the Swift Card and a daysaver (paper) is issued to you?

Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on July 21, 2014, 09:38:27 PM
How will the daysaver be issued though, will you have to swipe your Swift card on every bus you go on, or do you swipe the Swift Card and a daysaver (paper) is issued to you?

Tap in on every bus

Quote from: Tony on July 21, 2014, 09:49:33 PM

Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on July 21, 2014, 09:38:27 PM
How will the daysaver be issued though, will you have to swipe your Swift card on every bus you go on, or do you swipe the Swift Card and a daysaver (paper) is issued to you?

Tap in on every bus

Thanks Tony, take it that once you have used £4 that the Swift Card caps it to a Daysaver or would you have to ask for a Daysaver on your first journey.

Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on July 21, 2014, 09:53:17 PM

Quote from: Tony on July 21, 2014, 09:49:33 PM

Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on July 21, 2014, 09:38:27 PM
How will the daysaver be issued though, will you have to swipe your Swift card on every bus you go on, or do you swipe the Swift Card and a daysaver (paper) is issued to you?

Tap in on every bus

Thanks Tony, take it that once you have used £4 that the Swift Card caps it to a Daysaver or would you have to ask for a Daysaver on your first journey.

You buy it with a preset number of daysavers pre loaded, first time use takes a daysaver off the total, all further uses are 'free'

Quote from: Tony on July 21, 2014, 09:13:16 PM

Quote from: trident4370 on July 21, 2014, 09:00:51 PM
Dragging an old topic up here but have there been any developments yet with regards to an NXWM Smartcard, it has been ages now and I haven't heard or seen any mention of it.

Some daysavers in Coventry are now being issued on Swift

Interesting

What about the nx smart card I've seen some inspectors have?
They in development still?

Personally dont see the point NX doing their own smart card when Swift already exists. I've had a NWM Swift bus pass for two months now and works just fine. Granted, it is only a bus pass atm, still have hope that they will eventually have daily price caps as per oyster cards

http://www.swiftcard.org.uk/more-information/e-tickets.aspx

Seems the e-daysaver NX card is well on its way :L

Quote from: vinh1000 on August 13, 2014, 10:47:10 AM
http://www.swiftcard.org.uk/more-information/e-tickets.aspx

Seems the e-daysaver NX card is well on its way :L

Somebody on Twitter said its getting released next Wednesday. Weird in the middle of the week - I don't believe it myself.

It's already happening in Coventry

I've only just been made aware of this (as the SwiftCard website still shows 'coming soon') but yes, e-Daysavers are available, both Regional and Coventry:
http://nxbus.co.uk/west-midlands/smartcard/introducing-edaysavers

Also it appears NX 1 and 4 week Regional travelcards are now available, as well as the Black Country and Coventry ones (no NX Direct Debit monthly yet)
http://www.swiftcard.org.uk/more-information/season-tickets.aspx

Not very well promoted is it!  :(

Quote from: Stu on September 27, 2014, 08:00:06 PM
I've only just been made aware of this (as the SwiftCard website still shows 'coming soon') but yes, e-Daysavers are available, both Regional and Coventry:
http://nxbus.co.uk/west-midlands/smartcard/introducing-edaysavers

Also it appears NX 1 and 4 week Regional travelcards are now available, as well as the Black Country and Coventry ones (no NX Direct Debit monthly yet)
http://www.swiftcard.org.uk/more-information/season-tickets.aspx

Not very well promoted is it!  :(

Nope and surely the main objective would be to get new customers to use the bus, rather than preaching to the converted.  To be fair, NXWM have started to do this using the branding that's been applied on the sides of the buses - but this is a big opportunity. 

Does anyone know when outlets other than the NXWM travelshops will be able to issue and top up smartcards, and when those of us using paper direct debit passes will have them replaced with smartcards.

Also, has there been consideration of the longer dwell times - as everyone will have to put their pass on the reader it will slow things down when loading.

Quote from: Kevin_Brum12 on September 27, 2014, 11:15:09 PM
Also, has there been consideration of the longer dwell times - as everyone will have to put their pass on the reader it will slow things down when loading.

If people would simply place their card flat on the reader, instead of sliding it all over the place (as I've seen done!), that might help matters!

Also, I hope drivers are going to start pulling people up when you hear the dull 'failure' beep, instead of just waving them on.

Quote from: Stu on September 28, 2014, 09:16:49 AM

Quote from: Kevin_Brum12 on September 27, 2014, 11:15:09 PM
Also, has there been consideration of the longer dwell times - as everyone will have to put their pass on the reader it will slow things down when loading.

If people would simply place their card flat on the reader, instead of sliding it all over the place (as I've seen done!), that might help matters!

Also, I hope drivers are going to start pulling people up when you hear the dull 'failure' beep, instead of just waving them on.

That is true! I see all sorts, some just literally tap the reader and keep walking and you have to call them back to do it properly. The first scan of the day is usually the longest, it is ridiculous sometimes how long the card has to be left on the scanner. Subsequent scans are usually a lot quicker though.
  It is the same with any new technology/procedure, once the teething problems are sorted and people become used to it, it should provide a better experience for customers.

Sorry to bring back the topic but i'm really curious. Have the swift child regional travelcard been released yet?

Am I alone in assuming NXWM have no intention of accepting any Swift card that allows travel on other bus company vehicles?

Considering Birmingham is supposed to be the second city in the UK, if this is the case, it does not bode well for public transport in the area. Surely in late 2014, with some smartphones able to bank a cheque just by taking an image of it, smartcards should be able to work on numerous operators vehicles, including the main service provider for the area.

Also, as NXWM only take exact change, it is getting increasingly difficult to obtain the required coinage for the occasional journey, even more so with the January 2015 price increase. Is it not about time they changed this policy and accept 'Pay as you go' Swift cards and/or bank contactless debit cards?

Quote from: Bryan on December 07, 2014, 05:14:14 AM
Am I alone in assuming NXWM have no intention of accepting any Swift card that allows travel on other bus company vehicles?

Considering Birmingham is supposed to be the second city in the UK, if this is the case, it does not bode well for public transport in the area. Surely in late 2014, with some smartphones able to bank a cheque just by taking an image of it, smartcards should be able to work on numerous operators vehicles, including the main service provider for the area.

Also, as NXWM only take exact change, it is getting increasingly difficult to obtain the required coinage for the occasional journey, even more so with the January 2015 price increase. Is it not about time they changed this policy and accept 'Pay as you go' Swift cards and/or bank contactless debit cards?

NXWM do accept Swift card nBus Season tickets.

As for PAYG I am sure that is under development and NX are committed to this as part of the TBT agreement with Centro?

Has there been an announcement yet over a price increase in January? I haven't seen one anywhere.

Ah, I've just seen it :)

The SWIFT card will NOT work unless ALL operators sign up to accept it.

Like in London, with the Oyster card, there must be one universal card that all operators will accept, for all forms of transport, in order for it to be a fully multi-modal form of pass.

NX do have some products currently available on SWIFT, and I'm sure their 'own' version will just be their own branded SWIFT card, which must be allowed to load other products onto.

The Oyster card is brilliant, and makes transport round London so easy. The SWIFT card has to work the same, otherwise it would just be a failure. At present I pay for a monthly direct-debit Faresaver pass to travel on NX buses; with SWIFT I should be able to continue to enjoy unlimited travel on NX buses for a set amount per month, and then use loaded pay-as-you-go credit to travel on other bus operators' buses, or the Metro, or local train services, if I choose to do so. Up to the 'daily-cap' limit, which would be the maximum value of an equivalent 'day-ticket'.

"Touch-and-go", rather than fumbling around for the right money. It works so well in London, it has to work here in the West Midlands also.

I do have the horrible feeling that they'd balls it up here and there wouldn't be the price cap type of thing like there is with Oyster cards...

Due to be a report on Midlands Today at 1:30 and presumably later tonight, on Swift and how it is struggling to get going!!!

Problems have been encountered on Merseyside with their Walrus smartcard, they have opted to replace Saveaway day tickets on Wirral only at first.

Interesting article, especially the part about Greenbus accepting Swift on there 50 service with an interview with someone from Greenbus?

As they say Oyster has really taken off in London, but then TFL had everyone on there side pretty quickly!

Quote from: Matt on January 02, 2015, 01:42:49 PM
Thanks for the tip off Stu, had no idea this was on... saw one or two familiar faces!

Isn't that article out of date now Greenbus have come off the 50 though Matt?

Quote from: Matt on January 02, 2015, 01:55:40 PM

Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on January 02, 2015, 01:52:38 PM

Quote from: Matt on January 02, 2015, 01:42:49 PM
Thanks for the tip off Stu, had no idea this was on... saw one or two familiar faces!

Isn't that article out of date now Greenbus have come off the 50 though Matt?

Not really, there are other operators that accept Swift, Green Bus were just used as an example

Emailed Midlands Today regarding the article.

Had a reply from Peter Plisner their transport correspondent!

"Hi Stuart



Thanks for your email. The film was shot before Christmas and should have been broadcast on 22nd Dec. Greenbus is still accepting Swift though.



Again thanks for the email.



Regards

Peter Plisner

Transport Correspondent"

How can Greenbus still accept Swift if they have no public bus services?

it was just on BBC Midlands today about these swift cards

Interesting to hear in the BBC report that NXWM expect to introduce the use of the Swift Pay-as-you-go card on their vehicles in the spring. I just hope they achieve it. 

Quote from: Bryan on January 02, 2015, 07:13:25 PM
Interesting to hear in the BBC report that NXWM expect to introduce the use of the Swift Pay-as-you-go card on their vehicles in the spring. I just hope they achieve it.

It will be interesting how they work the Pay As You Go card, will it be usable for people who make numerous journeys a day (like bus enthusiasts) or will it work out cheaper to buy a Daysaver, NBus, or Daytripper. Hopefully there will be price capping introduced whereby it will make it cheaper to use Swift, like Oyster in London!

Quote from: Matt on January 02, 2015, 07:36:01 PM

Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on January 02, 2015, 07:21:15 PM

Quote from: Bryan on January 02, 2015, 07:13:25 PM
Interesting to hear in the BBC report that NXWM expect to introduce the use of the Swift Pay-as-you-go card on their vehicles in the spring. I just hope they achieve it.

It will be interesting how they work the Pay As You Go card, will it be usable for people who make numerous journeys a day (like bus enthusiasts) or will it work out cheaper to buy a Daysaver, NBus, or Daytripper. Hopefully there will be price capping introduced whereby it will make it cheaper to use Swift, like Oyster in London!

I would hope there will be price caps e.g. no more than £8.10 spent in one day (the cost of an nNetwork ticket), no more than £4.60 if you only go on buses, no more than £4.20 if you only use NX buses, etc..

I wonder if there would be weekly/monthly price caps equating to the various travelcard prices, or if travelcards would need to be pre-purchased and pre-loaded onto the card

I think if they are going to get this to work, they need to offer some incentive to get and use a card, as London have with Oyster!

Quote from: Matt on January 02, 2015, 07:36:01 PM

Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on January 02, 2015, 07:21:15 PM
I would hope there will be price caps e.g. no more than £8.10 spent in one day (the cost of an nNetwork ticket), no more than £4.60 if you only go on buses, no more than £4.20 if you only use NX buses, etc..

I wonder if there would be weekly/monthly price caps equating to the various travelcard prices, or if travelcards would need to be pre-purchased and pre-loaded onto the card

In London, pay-as-you-go Oyster cards only have a daily cap. You can load on weekly or monthly travelcards (season tickets), but I think you'd need to buy a registered Oyster card to do so first. (I have a pay-as-you-go Oyster card for when I'm in London, but I don't think I can add season tickets to it, I may be wrong though)

As I've said before, I'd just like to be able to have one SWIFT card, that I can load on my direct debit NX Faresaver ticket for unlimited travel on NX buses, but then be able to load on credit for pay-as-you-go travel on other operators buses.

I'm convinced that once NX are fully on-board (excuse the pun) with SWIFT, then it will really start to take off.

The other more interesting facet to smartcards, is operators are able to gain more realistic data with regards to passenger journey habits and movements. No personal data needs to be involved, but operators gain a vast database of passenger movements, in order to better plan future network changes, depending on how passengers use services.

Quote from: Stu on January 02, 2015, 08:04:59 PM

Quote from: Matt on January 02, 2015, 07:36:01 PM

Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on January 02, 2015, 07:21:15 PM
I would hope there will be price caps e.g. no more than £8.10 spent in one day (the cost of an nNetwork ticket), no more than £4.60 if you only go on buses, no more than £4.20 if you only use NX buses, etc..

I wonder if there would be weekly/monthly price caps equating to the various travelcard prices, or if travelcards would need to be pre-purchased and pre-loaded onto the card

In London, pay-as-you-go Oyster cards only have a daily cap. You can load on weekly or monthly travelcards (season tickets), but I think you'd need to buy a registered Oyster card to do so first. (I have a pay-as-you-go Oyster card for when I'm in London, but I don't think I can add season tickets to it, I may be wrong though)

As I've said before, I'd just like to be able to have one SWIFT card, that I can load on my direct debit NX Faresaver ticket for unlimited travel on NX buses, but then be able to load on credit for pay-as-you-go travel on other operators buses.

I'm convinced that once NX are fully on-board (excuse the pun) with SWIFT, then it will really start to take off.

The other more interesting facet to smartcards, is operators are able to gain more realistic data with regards to passenger journey habits and movements. No personal data needs to be involved, but operators gain a vast database of passenger movements, in order to better plan future network changes, depending on how passengers use services.

In London, the tube get a very good picture of what peoples travel habits are thanks to Oyster and so do DLR, however on buses as you only swipe when you get on the bus, it only shows where people are travelling from. Without getting people to swipe out when they get off the bus, a very difficult if nigh on impossible thing to achieve, smartcards will never get better bus information!

Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on January 02, 2015, 08:13:37 PM

Quote from: Stu on January 02, 2015, 08:04:59 PM

Quote from: Matt on January 02, 2015, 07:36:01 PM

Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on January 02, 2015, 07:21:15 PM
I would hope there will be price caps e.g. no more than £8.10 spent in one day (the cost of an nNetwork ticket), no more than £4.60 if you only go on buses, no more than £4.20 if you only use NX buses, etc..

I wonder if there would be weekly/monthly price caps equating to the various travelcard prices, or if travelcards would need to be pre-purchased and pre-loaded onto the card

In London, pay-as-you-go Oyster cards only have a daily cap. You can load on weekly or monthly travelcards (season tickets), but I think you'd need to buy a registered Oyster card to do so first. (I have a pay-as-you-go Oyster card for when I'm in London, but I don't think I can add season tickets to it, I may be wrong though)

As I've said before, I'd just like to be able to have one SWIFT card, that I can load on my direct debit NX Faresaver ticket for unlimited travel on NX buses, but then be able to load on credit for pay-as-you-go travel on other operators buses.

I'm convinced that once NX are fully on-board (excuse the pun) with SWIFT, then it will really start to take off.

The other more interesting facet to smartcards, is operators are able to gain more realistic data with regards to passenger journey habits and movements. No personal data needs to be involved, but operators gain a vast database of passenger movements, in order to better plan future network changes, depending on how passengers use services.

In London, the tube get a very good picture of what peoples travel habits are thanks to Oyster and so do DLR, however on buses as you only swipe when you get on the bus, it only shows where people are travelling from. Without getting people to swipe out when they get off the bus, a very difficult if nigh on impossible thing to achieve, smartcards will never get better bus information!

Maybe not on a single journey, but what I'd imagine the data would show is the connections customers are making from one bus to another - which ultimately could lead to revised/better suited routes in the future.

For example, if the data showed lots of customers connecting from the 957 onto the 900 at Sheldon - it would suggest a route between Solihull - Coventry via Old Lode Lane, the Airport & Coventry may be beneficial, as a number of residents in that area appear to use the link. Further analysis may be able to show that a large number of those connections board the bus at Land Rover on journeys out of Solihull, and Meriden on journeys into Birmingham - potentially suggesting a large number of Meriden residents use the bus to get to work at Land Rover.

Knowing that Meriden is an area with a number of Landrover employees, NXWM may then decide to introduce a Meriden - Land Rover works service, which not only would the current travellers be more likely to use, but would also be more attractive to other Meriden residents who work at Land Rover.

Other potential examples could include if a large number of Stowlawn residents were connecting at Bilston onto the 39/79, it would suggest that estate may be better served by a bus route to Wolverhampton rather than Walsall for instance.

Watch from 10:20
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b04vcdn9/midlands-today-02012015
Last Chance to View, before tomorrow

Swift 'Pay as you go' goes live on NX Coventry in June

Quote from: Tony on May 01, 2015, 10:32:58 AM
Swift 'Pay as you go' goes live on NX Coventry in June

Any idea when the main NXWM will go live with it?

I suppose once NXWM go live, all the other ops that don't do it will follow

Quote from: the trainbasher on May 01, 2015, 12:51:24 PM
Any idea when the main NXWM will go live with it?

I suppose once NXWM go live, all the other ops that don't do it will follow

This is the quote from the MD's business brief

We will shortly be introducing the next smartcard development - pay as you go. For the first time passengers will be able to hold their smartcard on the scanner and ask for any ticket that they could normally buy with cash............ Initially this will be piloted in Coventry, with all Coventry routes available in June. Taking learnings and feedback from Coventry we will then plan the roll out across the rest of the West Midlands. This is an exciting new product which customers should like.

Quote from: Matt on May 01, 2015, 05:49:02 PM
What products are already available on Swift? (and accepted on NXWM buses)

NXWM currently accept their own eDaysavers, and 4 week Faresavers on SWIFT, as well as the nBus products.

From Monday 15 June Centro are sending out new PAYG cards to existing users and adding a range of day tickets (http://www.swiftcard.org.uk/more-information/pay-as-you-go.aspx) on to the PAYG system, users will have to ask for the ticket they want to buy and it will be issued on a paper ticket.  If you ask me a backward step on the existing automated touch and go 'Swift' system, fair enough users may wish to use Swift credit for buying day tickets but I do hope in the future users can choose to set their PAYG card to run as automated single-user incremental purchasing with capping to the relevant day ticket price in the style of oyster card once all operators are 'on board'.

Hi guys. I was chatting to a driver yesterday who told me the Network West Midlands Season Tickets (1 Week Nbus etc) were changing to Swift Card from the 27th. Can anyone confirm?

I was reading through the Swift website and noticed the following which surprised me:

How do I care for my card?

.................... Do not keep your Swift card in the same wallet as other credit, debit or reward cards as it will not work if placed on the reader with other cards in your wallet.

A couple of weeks ago I had been about to put my credit card in the plastic wallet supplied and I'm now glad I didn't.

Any news on PAYG on NXWM buses, Child NBus or normal NX travelcards for swift?

Quote from: Dom on September 13, 2015, 04:26:19 PM
Any news on PAYG on NXWM buses, Child NBus or normal NX travelcards for swift?

NX 1 and 4 week Faresavers have been available on SWIFT for a while now  (just not the monthly Direct Debit cards)
http://www.swiftcard.org.uk/more-information/season-tickets.aspx

Quote from: Stu on September 13, 2015, 06:24:20 PM
NX 1 and 4 week Faresavers have been available on SWIFT for a while now  (just not the monthly Direct Debit cards)
http://www.swiftcard.org.uk/more-information/season-tickets.aspx

It's only Nbus isn't it

Quote from: Dom on September 13, 2015, 06:31:52 PM
It's only Nbus isn't it

See the link!

QuoteOther tickets available on Swift

If you don't need to travel all over the West Midlands, as the nbus ticket allows, the National Express Regional Travelcard offers you unlimited travel on National Express West Midlands and Coventry buses and the Black Country and Coventry Faresavers also offer unlimited travel in these areas.

http://youtu.be/oJmRXlsT5Cc

Quote from: clayderman on October 12, 2015, 10:52:33 PM
http://youtu.be/oJmRXlsT5Cc

Don't buy the whole enthusiasm for it I'm afraid. It's taken too long to develop and is already outdated, contactless bank payment is where things are headed for which this technology still can't do. It will even soon be illegal for shops not to accept contactless payment, why didn't Centro incorporate it when it's been on the cards for a while now? Instead of the hassle of hunting for change, you now have the hassle of managing an online account, buying a product, activating a product as opposed to jumping on the bus and just buying your ticket. I fail to see how it makes things easier, unless you occasionally use the bus, top Swift up and then use the cheaper on bus fares on it. M Tickets should be the stop gap prior to contactless, then contactless payment with automatic caps, why do you need to put credit on and then buy products? It should all be completely automated, technology price matches to the best deal for you.

Several options for day travel it should be able to do:

Jump on Diamond 4H to go to Walsall from West Brom, charges standard single to card.

Then you jump on another Diamond 4H to return to West Brom, becomes a £2.50 day return.

You then decide to call it a day, you've spent £2.50.

Another day you get the 002 to Halesowen, 4H to Walsall, then 40 to Wednesbury, all with Diamond, goes to the £3.60 Diamond day ticket cap. Adding a NX bus it would convert it automatically to an nBus.

You get the idea, it would then look at weekly or monthly usage and cap fares accordingly. Say if person was doing an nBus day it would cap at an nBus week price, Diamond day caps at Diamond week. Then converts to month pass when the cap of that price is hit.

This is what Swift should be able to do, no way should people have to buy and load products onto it, you don't with Oyster, completely outdated! I don't buy the argument about needing to track train usage either, if they're really committed to it, install barriers at every station, make them Swift compliant, people touch in and out at the end of a journey, must be their longer term plan.

I had a school boy use a pay as you go card on my number 5 service weeks ago!! He held the card on the scanned and it came up in the bottom left corner of my wayfarer that he had £10 on the card. He asked for a child 95p and i pressed the button it gave him a ticket and showed me that his balance had changed to £9.05. Dead easy system!!

Quote from: WB on October 13, 2015, 07:49:32 AM
I had a school boy use a pay as you go card on my number 5 service weeks ago!! He held the card on the scanned and it came up in the bottom left corner of my wayfarer that he had £10 on the card. He asked for a child 95p and i pressed the button it gave him a ticket and showed me that his balance had changed to £9.05. Dead easy system!!

It's great for pay as you go don't get me wrong, assuming it's not slowing boarding time which it shouldn't be. The issue I see is had the boy you mentioned done another 3 journeys, his daily spend would have exceeded the cost of a daysaver!

Quote from: DiamondDart on October 13, 2015, 08:41:09 AM
It's great for pay as you go don't get me wrong, assuming it's not slowing boarding time which it shouldn't be. The issue I see is had the boy you mentioned done another 3 journeys, his daily spend would have exceeded the cost of a daysaver!

Whilst it might exceed the cost of a daysaver, what's not to say he would have got on with money, paid 95p, and if he had then done another 3 journeys, surely he'd still be over the cost of it? With that logic, it's the same as paying money to the driver, except it's on a card and the money is taken off automatically. Same concept, just doesn't involve any transfer of money between passenger and driver. Can't see why you're complaining about it on that front.

Quote from: T840MAK on October 13, 2015, 09:13:41 AM
Whilst it might exceed the cost of a daysaver, what's not to say he would have got on with money, paid 95p, and if he had then done another 3 journeys, surely he'd still be over the cost of it? With that logic, it's the same as paying money to the driver, except it's on a card and the money is taken off automatically. Same concept, just doesn't involve any transfer of money between passenger and driver. Can't see why you're complaining about it on that front.

Because if he was making three more journeys he presumably would have placed his card on the scanner and asked for a daysaver which the machine can do just as easily. It would make sense to put a cap on, but the only people disadvantaged by no cap are those who don't know how many journeys they are going to take

But that's only the same as a cash system. The number of people that catch our 71 pay £1.50 then catch it home & pay £1.50 again instead of buying a return for £2.50.
The card is only supposed to take away the hassle of finding change not to start thinking for people.
Too much automation & too many devices that people use to rely on is not a good thing.
Let people make their own mind up what fare they want to pay don't take over.

Quote from: Tony on October 13, 2015, 09:21:57 AM
Because if he was making three more journeys he presumably would have placed his card on the scanner and asked for a daysaver which the machine can do just as easily. It would make sense to put a cap on, but the only people disadvantaged by no cap are those who don't know how many journeys they are going to take

Glad its not just me that's thinking about it in that way then Tony.

Quote from: WB on October 13, 2015, 07:49:32 AM
I had a school boy use a pay as you go card on my number 5 service weeks ago!! He held the card on the scanned and it came up in the bottom left corner of my wayfarer that he had £10 on the card. He asked for a child 95p and i pressed the button it gave him a ticket and showed me that his balance had changed to £9.05. Dead easy system!!

I didn't know NX had started accepting pay-as-you-go SWIFT yet?

Quote from: Steveminor on October 13, 2015, 10:05:39 AM
But that's only the same as a cash system. The number of people that catch our 71 pay £1.50 then catch it home & pay £1.50 again instead of buying a return for £2.50.
The card is only supposed to take away the hassle of finding change not to start thinking for people.
Too much automation & too many devices that people use to rely on is not a good thing.
Let people make their own mind up what fare they want to pay don't take over.

I will slightly disagree with you there; one of the reasons I love travelling round London when I go down is that I don't have to think about the myriad of ticket options available, the Oyster system does it for me. As long as I've got enough credit on my PAYG card, I just touch and go! I suppose it helps down there that there is one flat fare for using buses (£1.50 per single journey), but then the system will max out at the equivalent day bus ticket rate (£4.40).

Then again, I suppose the disadvantage here is that we have multiple operators, who all want to maximise their revenue streams through cash payments, rather than periodic disbursements from Centro. But ultimately the system (smartcards) has to work in a way that benefits passengers the most, as that will be the only way to encourage more people to use public transport, and thus attract more passengers onto other operators services, and admittedly get people like myself, who has a direct debit NX pass and thus only ever uses NX buses, to use other operators.

Quote from: Stu on October 13, 2015, 04:30:49 PM

I will slightly disagree with you there; one of the reasons I love travelling round London when I go down is that I don't have to think about the myriad of ticket options available, the Oyster system does it for me. As long as I've got enough credit on my PAYG card, I just touch and go! I suppose it helps down there that there is one flat fare for using buses (£1.50 per single journey), but then the system will max out at the equivalent day bus ticket rate (£4.40).

Then again, I suppose the disadvantage here is that we have multiple operators, who all want to maximise their revenue streams through cash payments, rather than periodic disbursements from Centro. But ultimately the system (smartcards) has to work in a way that benefits passengers the most, as that will be the only way to encourage more people to use public transport, and thus attract more passengers onto other operators services, and admittedly get people like myself, who has a direct debit NX pass and thus only ever uses NX buses, to use other operators.

And even better if you use the underground or surface trains as well it maxes out at the appropriate zone day rate.

Quote from: Stu on October 13, 2015, 04:30:49 PM
I didn't know NX had started accepting pay-as-you-go SWIFT yet?

I will slightly disagree with you there; one of the reasons I love travelling round London when I go down is that I don't have to think about the myriad of ticket options available, the Oyster system does it for me. As long as I've got enough credit on my PAYG card, I just touch and go! I suppose it helps down there that there is one flat fare for using buses (£1.50 per single journey), but then the system will max out at the equivalent day bus ticket rate (£4.40).

Then again, I suppose the disadvantage here is that we have multiple operators, who all want to maximise their revenue streams through cash payments, rather than periodic disbursements from Centro. But ultimately the system (smartcards) has to work in a way that benefits passengers the most, as that will be the only way to encourage more people to use public transport, and thus attract more passengers onto other operators services, and admittedly get people like myself, who has a direct debit NX pass and thus only ever uses NX buses, to use other operators.

Glad I'm not the only one who thinks automatic capping is kind of essential for it to work and attract people to pay in this way. Tempted to get one myself though, being only back in the WM for distinct periods of time it might be useful if I can't commit to month passes/direct debits etc.

I can see both sides of it, but look at this scenario:
- A few years down the line and card payments are the norm, maybe even as far as no cash payments on board as per London
- You are an outsider who is used to the idea of the Oyster card and the daily spending cap, coming to Birmingham to see some of the sights for a couple of days (I know that prospect sounds ludicrous...) and buy yourself a pay as you go Swift card, put a tenner on it thinking "that'll be plenty enough for the one day's travelling round, hell a daysaver is apparently £4.20, bargain"
- You use a few buses to get out of the city centre and back to some of the spots you wanted to visit, go to catch a 5th bus and BAM you've used up all of that money already and you can't use the card

Quick question: when cards fail to be recognised on the scanner, how is a driver to know whether it's a genuine problem with the card or a fare dodger trying to get away with "it won't scan driver!"? I'd imagine there's not a lot you can do, and I expect the company won't want to refuse travel to customers who have already paid for season tickets because of technology problems.

On Monday my NX regional pass came up with a red light and said something along the lines of PLEASE ASK DRIVER. It worked fine on all other buses I used that day. Then today my nbus wouldn't scan at all on my way home. Again, it worked ok this morning. I've been using swift for a few months now, and haven't had any problems with it since the first few weeks.

Quote from: Niall on November 25, 2015, 09:38:38 PM
Quick question: when cards fail to be recognised on the scanner, how is a driver to know whether it's a genuine problem with the card or a fare dodger trying to get away with "it won't scan driver!"? I'd imagine there's not a lot you can do, and I expect the company won't want to refuse travel to customers who have already paid for season tickets because of technology problems.

On Monday my NX regional pass came up with a red light and said something along the lines of PLEASE ASK DRIVER. It worked fine on all other buses I used that day. Then today my nbus wouldn't scan at all on my way home. Again, it worked ok this morning. I've been using swift for a few months now, and haven't had any problems with it since the first few weeks.

In that scenario, I press the unread pass button. I think that button is for OAP/Disabled passes, but I don't know what else I'd do.

Quote from: MW on November 25, 2015, 09:40:25 PM
In that scenario, I press the unread pass button. I think that button is for OAP/Disabled passes, but I don't know what else I'd do.

Anomaly button? Although personally I think Fraud/Anomaly should be two separate buttons!

Quote from: AndrewLee on November 25, 2015, 10:02:09 PM
Anomaly button? Although personally I think Fraud/Anomaly should be two separate buttons!

Nah the Unread passes button. It's the button that you press when the OAP/Disabled passes don't scan properly.

Quote from: MW on November 25, 2015, 10:09:53 PM
Nah the Unread passes button. It's the button that you press when the OAP/Disabled passes don't scan properly.

The point I'm making is that surely is for unread oap/disabled passes, not for unread smartcards.

Quote from: AndrewLee on November 25, 2015, 10:12:16 PM
The point I'm making is that surely is for unread oap/disabled passes, not for unread smartcards.

Oh yeah sorry. Yeah but that's two buttons to press (three if you've got constant flow of people getting on and need to get to the home screen). I'm joking.

Nah I never thought of that. I use the Fraud/Anomaly button for just when people walk on and don't have any form of pass.

Quote from: MW on November 25, 2015, 10:16:02 PM
Oh yeah sorry. Yeah but that's two buttons to press (three if you've got constant flow of people getting on and need to get to the home screen). I'm joking.

Nah I never thought of that. I use the Fraud/Anomaly button for just when people walk on and don't have any form of pass.

Most pressed button award goes to...

Quote from: MW on November 25, 2015, 10:16:02 PM
Oh yeah sorry. Yeah but that's two buttons to press (three if you've got constant flow of people getting on and need to get to the home screen). I'm joking.

Nah I never thought of that. I use the Fraud/Anomaly button for just when people walk on and don't have any form of pass.

I use the engine off switch, has a greater effect :)

Quote from: Bham Central Driver on November 26, 2015, 11:59:42 AM
I use the engine off switch, has a greater effect :)

I always notice when a driver does it, for some reason the whole of the bus reacts!  I was on 4824 on the 16 last Saturday with a driver I know and someone tried to get on with an invalid pass. The driver decided to use the 'engine off switch' and well...it caused quite a stir. The guy pretended to not speak English and all the passengers were telling him to get off the bus. It was good fun!  ;)

Quote from: Michael Bevan on November 26, 2015, 02:47:57 PM
I always notice when a driver does it, for some reason the whole of the bus reacts!  I was on 4824 on the 16 last Saturday with a driver I know and someone tried to get on with an invalid pass. The driver decided to use the 'engine off switch' and well...it caused quite a stir. The guy pretended to not speak English and all the passengers were telling him to get off the bus. It was good fun!  ;)

Of course the whole bus reacts! Think about it if you have a 5-7 min wait due to a fare dodger why wouldn't they react they are wasting 5 mins sitting there because of one stupid bellend. Don't see how it could be 'good fun' though.

Quote from: Dom on November 26, 2015, 02:50:24 PM
Of course the whole bus reacts! Think about it if you have a 5-7 min wait due to a fare dodger why wouldn't they react they are wasting 5 mins sitting there because of one stupid bellend. Don't see how it could be 'good fun' though.

No but you can't let them get away with it.

Quote from: Dom on November 26, 2015, 02:50:24 PM
Of course the whole bus reacts! Think about it if you have a 5-7 min wait due to a fare dodger why wouldn't they react they are wasting 5 mins sitting there because of one stupid bellend. Don't see how it could be 'good fun' though.

Well we were two minutes early so it meant we didn't have to sit at Snow Hill waiting. Also it's good fun since I absolutely hate fare dodgers! I hate how they think they are exempt from paying when everyone else has to. Also I was being sarcastic in my first sentence!

Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on November 26, 2015, 02:54:37 PM
No but you can't let them get away with it.

I'm not saying you should.

Does anybody know what to do in this scenario?
A regular passenger (who constantly used to use outdated daysavers) now has a disabled pass, but claims it wont scan. I told him to place it on the reader (to check that is isnt blocked), but it didnt say it was blocked, but neither did it light up green or red.
I explained to him that he needs to get in touch with Centro to get a new one (about 2 months ago), last time he got on was about 2 weeks ago and I explained that this was the last time I would let him off. He got on last night and I told him he needs to pay as he's had plenty of time to get the pass replaced. He got stroppy and got off.... eventually.
There must be a time limit to a pass that doesnt work.
@Tony  @2900    any ideas?

Quote from: Bham Central Driver on January 01, 2016, 05:53:52 PM
Does anybody know what to do in this scenario?
A regular passenger (who constantly used to use outdated daysavers) now has a disabled pass, but claims it wont scan. I told him to place it on the reader (to check that is isnt blocked), but it didnt say it was blocked, but neither did it light up green or red.
I explained to him that he needs to get in touch with Centro to get a new one (about 2 months ago), last time he got on was about 2 weeks ago and I explained that this was the last time I would let him off. He got on last night and I told him he needs to pay as he's had plenty of time to get the pass replaced. He got stroppy and got off.... eventually.
There must be a time limit to a pass that doesnt work.
@Tony  @2900    any ideas?

you can easy buy blank id cards ( http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Blank-White-PVC-Plastic-ID-Cards-CR80-30mil-Free-P-P-/141512843185?var=&hash=item20f2d29fb1:m:mf4ZRM2ZFo5aCcKpS46pVjg ) and id printers online and you can produce fake swift bus passes.

Quote from: Bham Central Driver on January 01, 2016, 05:53:52 PM
Does anybody know what to do in this scenario?
A regular passenger (who constantly used to use outdated daysavers) now has a disabled pass, but claims it wont scan. I told him to place it on the reader (to check that is isnt blocked), but it didnt say it was blocked, but neither did it light up green or red.
I explained to him that he needs to get in touch with Centro to get a new one (about 2 months ago), last time he got on was about 2 weeks ago and I explained that this was the last time I would let him off. He got on last night and I told him he needs to pay as he's had plenty of time to get the pass replaced. He got stroppy and got off.... eventually.
There must be a time limit to a pass that doesnt work.
@Tony  @2900    any ideas?

If this was on the 14 route, I think I know the person, and the pass is fake

Quote from: Bham Central Driver on January 01, 2016, 05:53:52 PM
Does anybody know what to do in this scenario?
A regular passenger (who constantly used to use outdated daysavers) now has a disabled pass, but claims it wont scan. I told him to place it on the reader (to check that is isnt blocked), but it didnt say it was blocked, but neither did it light up green or red.
I explained to him that he needs to get in touch with Centro to get a new one (about 2 months ago), last time he got on was about 2 weeks ago and I explained that this was the last time I would let him off. He got on last night and I told him he needs to pay as he's had plenty of time to get the pass replaced. He got stroppy and got off.... eventually.
There must be a time limit to a pass that doesnt work.
@Tony  @2900    any ideas?

Not wanting to jump to conclusions here, but if this guy with a history of using 'dodgy' Daysavers now has a disabled pass that 'won't scan' it is probably fake too. And the thing is I've seen drivers let people on with cards that don't scan (as well as drivers who wave them off the bus!) so as long as drivers keep letting him/her 'off' the longer they will get away with it. And if one driver refuses them, they just wait for the next bus in the hope they'll be let on.

With SWIFT starting to take off now, drivers are going to have to be more vigilant if more people are going to try to use blocked/fake smartcards if they think they'll get away with it.

I've heard these swift pay and go cards are not very reliable, and often get rejected causing you to pay full price. Also a woman yesterday got on the x96 from primark merry hill to bus station one stop. She offered to put money, but the driver said just get on.

Quote from: Tony on January 01, 2016, 06:59:18 PM
If this was on the 14 route, I think I know the person, and the pass is fake

It was on the 61. I was fair, I told him to get in touch with Centro and gave him ample time, but he seems to think he can just keep showing it again and again and again...
I understand if there's a fault with the card, it's not the passengers fault, but there comes a time limit if they don't bother getting a new one. (Just to clarify - I am talking about the disabled pass).

Quote from: Trident 4194 on January 01, 2016, 07:07:47 PM
I've heard these swift pay and go cards are not very reliable, and often get rejected causing you to pay full price. Also a woman yesterday got on the x96 from primark merry hill to bus station one stop. She offered to put money, but the driver said just get on.

I have a Swift e-Daysaver for use on NXWM buses and having used it on about twenty different days, travelling on an average of about six buses a day, I have been waved on by the driver on about eight or nine occasions whilst using it.

As the card had been confirmed as valid on the first journey on each day, and worked on other buses during the day, I was under the impression the fault was with the individual card reader on the vehicle concerned.

Just used my Swift PAYG card on the Metro to buy an Off Peak day saver for only £4.80, seems like it is also valid on the bus as well which is rather good, don't know if it's all buses or just NX, but whenever I have bought a £6.20 bus/metro ticket before I have generally only used NX buses with it (and it was at a weekend) so that looks like a big fare saving to me of £1.40.

Quote from: Cheese on January 02, 2016, 11:14:49 AM
Just used my Swift PAYG card on the Metro to buy an Off Peak day saver for only £4.80, seems like it is also valid on the bus as well which is rather good, don't know if it's all buses or just NX, but whenever I have bought a £6.20 bus/metro ticket before I have generally only used NX buses with it (and it was at a weekend) so that looks like a big fare saving to me of £1.40.

NX bus and Metro £5 for anyone without Swift

I had hoped to post a hyperlink to Centro 2016 fares guide having obtained a paper copy, but the a search of the website proved fruitless, despite googling it. That only led me to find out that Arriva had frozen and reduced a lot of fares in the Black Country!

Quote from: JoNi on January 03, 2016, 08:38:17 AM
I had hoped to post a hyperlink to Centro 2016 fares guide having obtained a paper copy, but the a search of the website proved fruitless, despite googling it. That only led me to find out that Arriva had frozen and reduced a lot of fares in the Black Country!

Find it hard to find/view Arriva daily fares online tbh... Didn't know they'd reduced fares though

Found Arriva hyperlink
https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/midlands/updates/get-around-for-less-in-the-centro-area-from-2-january-2016/&ved=0ahUKEwiinMm1oY7KAhVH0RQKHVZXBBQQFggaMAA&usg=AFQjCNEhtkF9NHGIhOyJdQpkrA1qMzUJww

Odd pricing before changes if the Black Country 4 weekly was £50 but 4 1 week tickets would be 4 x £11.30 so £45.20. Must be one of the few examples I've seen where it was more expensive to commit yourself for a longer period of time. Thank goodness they've changed that!!

Now at least they're incentivising the 4 week ticket. For too long in the West Midlands all they pushed was the 4 week saver at £60 which was expensive if you only wanted the West Midlands zone.

The real issue for them is lack of brand loyalty as unlike Diamond in say West Brom/Walsall, Arriva West Midlands don't really have a network of routes that fits together particularly well...

Quote from: DiamondDart on January 03, 2016, 06:38:44 PM
Odd pricing before changes if the Black Country 4 weekly was £50 but 4 1 week tickets would be 4 x £11.30 so £45.20. Must be one of the few examples I've seen where it was more expensive to commit yourself for a longer period of time. Thank goodness they've changed that!!

Now at least they're incentivising the 4 week ticket. For too long in the West Midlands all they pushed was the 4 week saver at £60 which was expensive if you only wanted the West Midlands zone.

The real issue for them is lack of brand loyalty as unlike Diamond in say West Brom/Walsall, Arriva West Midlands don't really have a network of routes that fits together particularly well...

I had a look at their journey planner earlier, over 5 hours from Dudley to Birmingham

Quote from: pndriver on January 03, 2016, 06:52:58 PM
I had a look at their journey planner earlier, over 5 hours from Dudley to Birmingham

It'd certainly be a fun journey!

Is the one day nBus ticket available via Swift yet?

Quote from: DiamondDart on January 03, 2016, 06:56:06 PM
It'd certainly be a fun journey!

I make it Dudley - Bilston - Bloxwich - Cannock - Lichfield - Tamworth - Birmingham. Which doesn't sound too bad only if you want to make a day of it. On Sundays you'd have to go via Wolverhampton, not Bilston or Bloxwich.

Quote from: Ashley 60171 on January 03, 2016, 08:11:47 PM
I make it Dudley - Bilston - Bloxwich - Cannock - Lichfield - Tamworth - Birmingham. Which doesn't sound too bad only if you want to make a day of it. On Sundays you'd have to go via Wolverhampton, not Bilston or Bloxwich.

Only a few quid as well

Quote from: WN on January 03, 2016, 08:22:48 PM
Only a few quid as well

Only £1.80 more than just going as the crow flies.

Quote from: Ashley 60171 on January 03, 2016, 08:34:02 PM
Only £1.80 more than just going as the crow flies.

Wait, £1.80!

They have put loads of swift stickers up in dudley bus station

To be honest I havent used my free one yet, but my nephew is having trouble getting NX Buses to read his PAYG card even though he has credit on it!

He says he has kept it separate from his other cards though.

He says he's going to try Diamond & Arriva to see if it works on their buses.

His dad(my brother) also has one but not having trouble.

nNetwork moving onto swift soon...

Sorry to drag up an old thread, but didn't want to start a new one...

Anyway, was very pleased to get home this evening, and find I have received a shiny new SWIFT card to replace my paper monthly direct debit ticket!

It was a bit of a surprise as I hadn't seen anything about Direct Debit Faresavers being available on SWIFT any time soon.

Anyone else been upgraded?  :D


EDIT: I have just checked my emails and NX did send me an email regarding this... this afternoon lol

FURTHER EDIT: Guess what came in todays (Monday) post? My paper ticket for September!  :-[

Apparently a big step forward tomorrow regarding cashless ticketing if what I am told is correct.

Seems like Swift Card has had a refreshed image. I, for one, thinks it looks more modern, thus smarter, than the (now former) serif fonts on the card.

https://www.networkwestmidlands.com/swift/

Glad to see one day nBus cards now available in similar fashion to the NX e-Daysaver but one concern... the loaded carnet products are priced as per an all day MF ticket, those who use these on a weekend or only after 0930 will still pay the peak time price. NWM may well could introduce an off peak card, but better still these cards should be monetary credit based so the relevant price is deducted depending on time of day/day of the week they are first used.

Quote from: JPC on March 19, 2017, 06:47:54 PM
Glad to see one day nBus cards now available in similar fashion to the NX e-Daysaver but one concern... the loaded carnet products are priced as per an all day MF ticket, those who use these on a weekend or only after 0930 will still pay the peak time price. NWM may well could introduce an off peak card, but better still these cards should be monetary credit based so the relevant price is deducted depending on time of day/day of the week they are first used.

There's no indication of the cost of this on the Swift website? It may be the case that, like NX, they price this at the cheaper off-peak rate, to incentivise passengers to switch.

Swift appears to be making good progress, however it is still far behind Oyster; I'd still like to have just one Swift card, with my NX Regional Faresaver loaded, as well as Pay-As-You-Go credit. So I can use as many NX buses as I like, as well as being able to buy single or day tickets on other operators' services if needed. At the moment, I can only do this, by having two seperate Swift cards.

Quote from: Stu on March 19, 2017, 07:07:51 PM
There's no indication of the cost of this on the Swift website? It may be the case that, like NX, they price this at the cheaper off-peak rate, to incentivise passengers to switch.

Swift appears to be making good progress, however it is still far behind Oyster; I'd still like to have just one Swift card, with my NX Regional Faresaver loaded, as well as Pay-As-You-Go credit. So I can use as many NX buses as I like, as well as being able to buy single or day tickets on other operators' services if needed. At the moment, I can only do this, by having two seperate Swift cards.

Whoops :-[ My bad .... we shall hope nBus carnet pricing will also be based on the off-peak ticket rate.
Carnets (e-Daysavers) however are deleted if not used within 12 months of purchase (that has put me off buying), monetary credit however would never expire and pricing deducted from credit can be varied for the Evening Daysaver rate.

Quote from: Stu on March 19, 2017, 07:07:51 PM
Swift appears to be making good progress, however it is still far behind Oyster; I'd still like to have just one Swift card, with my NX Regional Faresaver loaded, as well as Pay-As-You-Go credit. So I can use as many NX buses as I like, as well as being able to buy single or day tickets on other operators' services if needed. At the moment, I can only do this, by having two seperate Swift cards.

On Claribels, Sunny Travel, Discount Travel Solutions and Social Travel if you already have a NX regional faresaver its only £0.50 anyway in cash. On Arriva, I think its £0.60 in cash. Cheaper anyway than using a Swift Card.

Swift cards with NX products loaded are not valid for ttavel at all on Claribels you must have a paper NX pass to pay the £1.00 supplement fare.

This afternoon I lost my pay as you go swift card on 4942 on the BC 24, which I boarded at about 12:00 in Harborne going towards the City Centre. Last topped it up this morning on Social Travel KV03ZFS on the 11C and it has £10.00 on it. Does anyone know who I should contact?

Quote from: 2206 on April 18, 2017, 05:29:24 PM
This afternoon I lost my pay as you go swift card on 4942 on the BC 24, which I boarded at about 12:00 in Harborne going towards the City Centre. Last topped it up this morning on Social Travel KV03ZFS on the 11C and it has £10.00 on it. Does anyone know who I should contact?

Report a lost card / Request a replacement:
https://www.networkwestmidlands.com/swift/managing-your-swift-card/

Contact Birmingham Central garage lost property, in case it has been handed in:
T: 0121 254 6803

http://nxbus.co.uk/west-midlands/contact-us/lost-property

Quote from: Stu on April 18, 2017, 07:11:36 PM
Report a lost card / Request a replacement:
https://www.networkwestmidlands.com/swift/managing-your-swift-card/

Contact Birmingham Central garage lost property, in case it has been handed in:
T: 0121 254 6803

http://nxbus.co.uk/west-midlands/contact-us/lost-property

Ok, thanks. Will have to wait till 9AM tomorrow morning then.

Quote from: Stu on April 18, 2017, 07:11:36 PM
Report a lost card / Request a replacement:
https://www.networkwestmidlands.com/swift/managing-your-swift-card/

Contact Birmingham Central garage lost property, in case it has been handed in:
T: 0121 254 6803

http://nxbus.co.uk/west-midlands/contact-us/lost-property

Phoned BC who haven't got it, then Phoned the NX number for the pay as you go swift card up this morning.
Apparently theres only £1.40 on it, he can see the journey made on Social Travel yesterday morning were £8.50 that was spent on the journey on the card yesterday. But he can't see any top up made on the Social Travel bus yesterday morning were I topped up £10.00 and he's never heard of topping it up on the bus before (neither had I before, I thought I topped it up on the bus yesterday morning). So it looks like the Social Travel driver may have nicked £10.00 from me and may have kept it for himself, though  the ticket said it'd been topped up (also lost in the case with the swift card), unless NX can't see any top ups made on Social Travel. 
Bus 11C/3 - KV03ZFS, from Bromford Lane, Old Bromford Lane at about 09:00 yesterday morning.

NX are replacing term plus and child paper passes with swift from June.
The trial will take place over, June, July and August. The swift cards are active immediately and can be used instead of paper May tickets.

NX are looking are looking at permanently converting Term Plus and children's passes in the new academic year.

Quote from: 2206 on May 12, 2017, 09:35:00 PM
NX are replacing term plus and child paper passes with swift from June.
The trial will take place over, June, July and August. The swift cards are active immediately and can be used instead of paper May tickets.

NX are looking are looking at permanently converting Term Plus and children's passes in the new academic year.

With the way things are going*, I'm sure there's some truth behind it; is there any solid evidence to back this up? An article, perhaps?

*IIRC, NXWM/NXC are upgrading their ticket machines to INIT Ticketers, aren't they? If they are identical to that fitted on Diamond buses, would it render the separate ticket machine (behind the driver's door) redundant?

Quote from: clayderman on May 12, 2017, 10:27:10 PM
With the way things are going*, I'm sure there's some truth behind it; is there any solid evidence to back this up? An article, perhaps?

*IIRC, NXWM/NXC are upgrading their ticket machines to INIT Ticketers, aren't they? If they are identical to that fitted on Diamond buses, would it render the separate ticket machine (behind the driver's door) redundant?

There's still quite a lot of cash fares on NXWM. I personally feel separate ticket machines are better as it makes for a better flow of passenger. One machine only means longer and slower queues.

Quote from: Gareth on May 12, 2017, 11:24:19 PM
There's still quite a lot of cash fares on NXWM. I personally feel separate ticket machines are better as it makes for a better flow of passenger. One machine only means longer and slower queues.

Definitely a factor which makes me resent the idea to switch from paper passes to swift cards; every time a fellow passenger barges in front of me to scan their pass, I can't help but begrudge them, despite how petty that sounds! :P

I know they can't help it; it's practically like the 'Hunger Games' where customers practically compete for seats, especially during peak hours... But I digress; the scanning time for Swift cards and Concessionary Passes alike seems to take an eternity, especially when compared to that of London's Oyster card, which (ironically) works more SWIFTLY than Swift. ::) Paper tickets, or cash fares at least (with our separately operating ticket printer) seems to feel more efficient to me. Basically my second nature.

They are having new printers that fit in the place where the current printers are.

Quote from: clayderman on May 12, 2017, 10:27:10 PM
With the way things are going*, I'm sure there's some truth behind it; is there any solid evidence to back this up? An article, perhaps?

*IIRC, NXWM/NXC are upgrading their ticket machines to INIT Ticketers, aren't they? If they are identical to that fitted on Diamond buses, would it render the separate ticket machine (behind the driver's door) redundant?

I was sent one with a letter from NX that I received yesterday.

Quote from: 2206 on May 13, 2017, 09:02:57 AM
I was sent one with a letter from NX that I received yesterday.

Oh, I see. But what of those who don't yet have Swift Cards? My assumption is that they'll be issued one at purchase, whether it be online or instore? ???

Quote from: Dom on May 12, 2017, 11:46:42 PM
They are having new printers that fit in the place where the current printers are.

Okay; wasn't sure how the setup was going to be like, seeing as Diamond has the Printer/Scanner all in one module... Caught a Gemini yesterday, and the space in the assult screen to insert fares did seem a tad small to have a whole unit in there - so I was curious about that... Thanks @Dom

You are aware @clayderman that ticketers are not made by init and that the machines that NX are having are completely different diamonds. It will be similar to the setup at the moment, i.e. Seperate machine, seperate scanner, seperate printer.

Quote from: Dom on May 13, 2017, 09:29:02 AM
You are aware @clayderman that ticketers are not made by init and that the machines that NX are having are completely different diamonds. It will be similar to the setup at the moment, i.e. Seperate machine, seperate scanner, seperate printer.

Wasn't aware, I'm afraid. Thanks for the information, though. Really cleared things up, for me at least. :)

If a disabled pass is not working, cracked etc. How long does it take for a replacement?

I have had some passengers saying their pass wont scan for months now and its got to the point where Ive told them enough is enough and you need to pay!

Quote from: B.C Driver on May 13, 2017, 11:00:54 AM
If a disabled pass is not working, cracked etc. How long does it take for a replacement?

I have had some passengers saying their pass wont scan for months now and its got to the point where Ive told them enough is enough and you need to pay!

My mum lost her OAP card once and I lost my swift card once. The longest it took was 2/3days. They are probably put off by the charge though. Think it was £7 for the replacement. For damaged cards though, I'm not sure if the charge applies.

How can children get there paper passes on swift then guys ??

I use NXWM MTicket app on my iPhone saves carrying any type of ticket. You just open the app and show the driver your phone. It's also cheaper with a mTicket

Quote from: B.C Driver on May 13, 2017, 11:00:54 AM
If a disabled pass is not working, cracked etc. How long does it take for a replacement?

I have had some passengers saying their pass wont scan for months now and its got to the point where Ive told them enough is enough and you need to pay!

if it's got a valid date on the from put it in manually. If no date and won't scan they have to pay 

Quote from: karl724223 on May 13, 2017, 01:25:24 PM
if it's got a valid date on the from put it in manually. If no date and won't scan they have to pay

Yeh but even if ot has a valid date if it wont scan and its been like that for months there has to be a cut off point.
It could be blocked but they have conviently cracked it to stop it from working.

Quote from: 2206 on May 12, 2017, 09:35:00 PM
NX are replacing term plus and child paper passes with swift from June.
The trial will take place over, June, July and August. The swift cards are active immediately and can be used instead of paper May tickets.

NX are looking are looking at permanently converting Term Plus and children's passes in the new academic year.

https://www.wmca.org.uk/news/child-ticketing-gets-smart-with-move-on-to-swift/?utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=SocialSignIn&utm_source=Facebook
Child passess, will make the move to swift in September 2017.
From Autumn Child swift cards will also be made available on line through the swift website.
Up until now and this trial there have been no child swift cards other than pay as you go.

Anyone want a free e-daysaver?

http://nxbus.co.uk/west-midlands/miscellaneous/claim-your-free-edaysaver

Quote from: the trainbasher on July 29, 2017, 10:23:39 PM
Anyone want a free e-daysaver?

http://nxbus.co.uk/west-midlands/miscellaneous/claim-your-free-edaysaver

Cheers, needed to pick up a Swift card anyway once my Term Plus runs out next month.

Can you reload these like a normal Swift card or not?

I already have my everyday Swift for work, plus an old blue PAYG from a Centro freebie.

With child rate season ticket moving over to Swift, would I still have to apply for another 16-18 card? I'm starting Sixth Form in September.

Quote from: Westy on July 30, 2017, 11:37:12 AM
Can you reload these like a normal Swift card or not?

I already have my everyday Swift for work, plus an old blue PAYG from a Centro freebie.

Anybody?

Quote from: Westy on July 31, 2017, 01:09:39 PM
Anybody?

The e-Daysaver can only be reloaded with a block of five Daysavers (currently £19) to a maximum of 15 daysavers.

Quote from: JPC on July 31, 2017, 07:39:30 PM
The e-Daysaver can only be reloaded with a block of five Daysavers (currently £19) to a maximum of 15 daysavers.

So I can get one then reload it then?

Quote from: Westy on July 31, 2017, 08:02:09 PM
So I can get one then reload it then?

Yes, that would be the point. :)

quick question: are e-daysavers transferrable if I won't be using it for the day?

Quote from: clayderman on August 03, 2017, 01:53:53 PM
quick question: are e-daysavers transferrable if I won't be using it for the day?

Does the card have your picture on? @clayderman
If yes picture  - No
If no picture - Yes

Quote from: Adam 404 on August 03, 2017, 05:58:43 PM
Does the card have your picture on? @clayderman
If yes picture  - No
If no picture - Yes

Cheers. :)

As we're practically halfway through August, the idea of moving paper travelcards onto Swift season tickets has rarely left my mind, if I'm honest. With the changeover happening in 5 days, and with the new Winter term passes already available as of 5 days ago, this is just one of the many implications I can see woth the transition. (PLEASE NOTE: I am writing from the perspective of someone who has only ever bought Term Plus travelcards, so I do apologise for the disregard to the other travelcards that are available)

Firstly, a short term problem would be the mix of Swift cards and travelcards in use, as it may cause confusion, perhaps not to the inspectors (I hope) - but to mingling achoolchildren who would wonder why their bus passes are different. Though, as it will only last the Winter term, this problem should fix itself come Spring Term.

Secondly, would the Swift season tickets require a photo? If so, then wouldn't it render the Network 16-18 photocard to be redundant? Just an additional £10 being added onto our expenses for two (unnecessary photographs).

And if the Swift season passes do not require a photograph (which, in hindsight, is very unlikely,) wouldn't it make them suspectible to theft/misuse - ie allowing someone else to use it with a different photocard?

Quote from: 2206 on July 29, 2017, 09:06:17 PM
https://www.wmca.org.uk/news/child-ticketing-gets-smart-with-move-on-to-swift/?utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=SocialSignIn&utm_source=Facebook

"Around 6,000 young people whose paper travel cards are currently supplied through the TfWM and National Express West Midlands direct debit schemes will be issued Swift cards from August 27."

NX are still sending out paper child passes for September.

Quote from: 2206 on August 19, 2017, 12:16:40 PM
"Around 6,000 young people whose paper travel cards are currently supplied through the TfWM and National Express West Midlands direct debit schemes will be issued Swift cards from August 27."

NX are still sending out paper child passes for September.

lol I have a child paper pass sent to me in the post. I'm not due to have the Swift card  for a while.

Quote from: Jack B on August 19, 2017, 02:47:56 PM
I'm not due to have the Swift card  for a while.

TWFM have said it is supposed to move to swift from September, yet for some reason NX are still sending out paper passess for September and they've already been sent out.
https://www.wmca.org.uk/news/child-ticketing-gets-smart-with-move-on-to-swift/?utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=SocialSignIn&utm_source=Facebook

This move from paper to plastic is confusing me more than it should.

The prices in the WMCA article are different to those on Network West Midlands; where WMCA is showing prices from LAST term. Also, NWM's site seems to indicate that the season passes were available since 15th August. So, does the 27th August transfer to Swift only apply to the children on Direct Debit? ???

Last year, my Direct Debit Regional Faresaver was moved to Swift. I received a brand new Swift card in August which was ready to use straight away. However a few days later I received a paper ticket for September from NX Bus.

So it is probably normal that a 'final' paper ticket will be sent out, however once you receive your new Swift card, you don't have to wait to use it. The letter that accompanies the Swift card will explain everything, nothing to be confused about.

Probably should've specified I buy the Term pass, which are only available in Travelshops only. Hence my confusion with the multiple dates outlined.

Quote from: 2206 on August 19, 2017, 02:58:09 PM
TWFM have said it is supposed to move to swift from September, yet for some reason NX are still sending out paper passess for September and they've already been sent out.
https://www.wmca.org.uk/news/child-ticketing-gets-smart-with-move-on-to-swift/?utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=SocialSignIn&utm_source=Facebook

Well my paper pass has come ready for September. Not had a swift. NX must think I'm not special lol

Quote from: Jack B on August 19, 2017, 04:22:56 PM
Well my paper pass has come ready for September. Not had a swift. NX must think I'm not special lol

The article does state that Swift cards will start to be sent out from 27th August. You'll have likely received a 'final' paper ticket, just in case there is any delay in you receiving your new Swift card.

I purchase 4 week passes from my local newsagent on a monthly basis. Will this still continue ?

Quote from: GeminiFan1991 on August 19, 2017, 05:29:56 PM
I purchase 4 week passes from my local newsagent on a monthly basis. Will this still continue ?

For now, probably yes. However, there is nothing from stopping you registering for a Swift card and making the switch yourself. All paper tickets will be phased out eventually.

Quote from: Stu on August 19, 2017, 06:02:52 PM
For now, probably yes. However, there is nothing from stopping you registering for a Swift card and making the switch yourself. All paper tickets will be phased out eventually.

I much prefer paper ones still, it's a lot faster boarding wise over scanning a Swift card.

Quote from: DJ98 on August 19, 2017, 06:20:37 PM
I much prefer paper ones still, it's a lot faster boarding wise over scanning a Swift card.

Me too. Takes some people a decade for it scan. I prefer paper passes and tickets than scanning a Swift card.

Quote from: DJ98 on August 19, 2017, 06:20:37 PM
I much prefer paper ones still, it's a lot faster boarding wise over scanning a Swift card.

Quote from: Jack B on August 19, 2017, 06:39:51 PM
Me too. Takes some people a decade for it scan. I prefer paper passes and tickets than scanning a Swift card.

Hence the investment in new ticket machines and card readers, the scanning process should be much quicker, and thus boarding times should be reduced. The scanning times aren't that bad at present, some machines do seem quicker than others. Some passengers could do with showing a little more patience at times, if I can be honest, including those with 'paper passes' (or crumpled 'dodgy daysavers') who push past cash paying customers as well as those scanning smartcards.

Quote from: Stu on August 19, 2017, 06:54:32 PM
Hence the investment in new ticket machines and card readers, the scanning process should be much quicker, and thus boarding times should be reduced. The scanning times aren't that bad at present, some machines do seem quicker than others. Some passengers could do with showing a little more patience at times, if I can be honest, including those with 'paper passes' (or crumpled 'dodgy daysavers') who push past cash paying customers as well as those scanning smartcards.

Are the tickets issued on these new ticket machines anything like First Kernows new ticket machines, where when a day or weekly ticket is issued, everytime you board the bus after that, you scan it the QR code at the bottom of the daysaver on the ticket machine and the ticket machine says, valid or invalid with the expiry date, that should put a stop to the people with crumpled dodgy out of date day savers @Stu? Its a good idea. edit - been told these new NX ticket machines don't have this feature.
Very quick boarding and scanning time on them as well.

Agreed though, at present the scanning times aren't that bad.

Quote from: Stu on August 19, 2017, 06:54:32 PM
Hence the investment in new ticket machines and card readers, the scanning process should be much quicker, and thus boarding times should be reduced. The scanning times aren't that bad at present, some machines do seem quicker than others. Some passengers could do with showing a little more patience at times, if I can be honest, including those with 'paper passes' (or crumpled 'dodgy daysavers') who push past cash paying customers as well as those scanning smartcards.

I hope these new card readers won't break down as much as the current ones do. 7028's wasn't working this morning. People were showing their Swift cards to the driver.

Quote from: DJ98 on August 19, 2017, 06:20:37 PM
I much prefer paper ones still, it's a lot faster boarding wise over scanning a Swift card.

Quote from: Jack B on August 19, 2017, 06:39:51 PM
Me too. Takes some people a decade for it scan. I prefer paper passes and tickets than scanning a Swift card.

As do I. Paper tickets are much more convenient, imo - albeit not environmentally efficient. (Paper waste) - Hopefully the new ticket machines will sort out the problem with boarding time.

I find the current readers way too slow! It takes a toll on boarding time, as well; in the sense that the passenger gets impatient, and begins to "rub" their card onto the card reader, prolonging the time it takes to scan.

On a personal agenda, I wish those using the card readers board last, regardless of age (sorry). I know it's a silly/selfish thing to say, but I find (from my experience), they always block the doorway of the bus!

Quote from: clayderman on August 19, 2017, 07:02:58 PM
As do I. Paper tickets are much more convenient, imo - albeit not environmentally efficient. (Paper waste) - Hopefully the new ticket machines will sort out the problem with boarding time.

I find the current readers way too slow! It takes a toll on boarding time, as well; in the sense that the passenger gets impatient, and begins to "rub" their card onto the card reader, prolonging the time it takes to scan.

On a personal agenda, I wish those using the card readers board last, regardless of age (sorry). I know it's a silly/selfish thing to say, but I find (from my experience), they always block the doorway of the bus!

It does annoy me, especially when it's p*ssing down of rain. It annoys me when people start having a chat to the driver about where they need to get off at. Takes a decade for elderly people to scan it, they always shake them all over the place.

Quote from: clayderman on August 19, 2017, 07:02:58 PM
As do I. Paper tickets are much more convenient, imo - albeit not environmentally efficient. (Paper waste) - Hopefully the new ticket machines will sort out the problem with boarding time.

I find the current readers way too slow! It takes a toll on boarding time, as well; in the sense that the passenger gets impatient, and begins to "rub" their card onto the card reader, prolonging the time it takes to scan.

On a personal agenda, I wish those using the card readers board last, regardless of age (sorry). I know it's a silly/selfish thing to say, but I find (from my experience), they always block the doorway of the bus!

Thats very impatient and quite selfish, if you can't wait a minute or two, for everyone who was at the stop before you to board the bus before you.

Quote from: 2206 on August 19, 2017, 07:14:21 PM
Thats very impatient and quite selfish, if you can't wait a minute or two, for everyone who was at the stop before you to board the bus before you.

What about when it's chucking down of rain and you get drenched because of the person infront of you who can't scan their smart card? I understand its impatient and selfish but I expect people to know how to use the bus network.

The new ticket scanners scan a lot faster than the current ones

Quote from: 2206 on August 19, 2017, 07:14:21 PM
Thats very impatient and quite selfish, if you can't wait a minute or two, for everyone who was at the stop before you to board the bus before you.

Well, it's only my opinion. And I understand that it's selfish, hence why I said "sorry".  ::)

I am merely expressing how I feel about people using card readers, vice paper tickets. Comparing the two modes of ticketing, paper tickets are definitely quicker; albeit being more susceptible to fraudulent behaviour (which I wholeheartedly do not endorse, obviously)... So when I happen to be in the situation where I am waiting for someone to scan their pass, while I have an opportunity to show the driver my paper pass, and swiftly 'brush' pass the other passenger, I would expect to have enough space in the doorway to do so. Which was what I was getting at about boarding quickly.

Quote from: John on August 19, 2017, 07:27:05 PM
The new ticket scanners scan a lot faster than the current ones

From my experience with the Diamond ones, they work swimmingly! Can't wait for them to be rolled out onto NX buses.  :D

Quote from: clayderman on August 19, 2017, 07:41:11 PM.
From my experience with the Diamond ones, they work swimmingly! Can't wait for them to be rolled out onto NX buses.  :D

They're great! I've seen many customers happy on the Diamond 40 about how quick Diamonds new card readers are.

Quote from: Jack B on August 19, 2017, 07:47:37 PM
They're great! I've seen many customers happy on the Diamond 40 about how quick Diamonds new card readers are.

The Diamond ones are a lot better, what annoys me is half of the people have their bank card with their pass so it's unable to read the card. Also people who wait until they step on the bus to actually find their pass!

Quote from: Matt.N0056 on August 19, 2017, 08:21:44 PM
The Diamond ones are a lot better, what annoys me is half of the people have their bank card with their pass so it's unable to read the card. Also people who wait until they step on the bus to actually find their pass!

That's a pet hate for me. They need to organise themselves before they board.

The Diamond machines can do Qr codes can they?

When are Nx rolling their machines out to rest of the fleet?

Quite relieved to hear the paper passes aren't going just yet.

Oddly I've noticed when Inspectors check the cards, the scanner they use often works quicker to validate the ticket !

Quote from: GeminiFan1991 on August 19, 2017, 09:59:41 PM

Oddly I've noticed when Inspectors check the cards, the scanner they use often works quicker to validate the ticket !

Aren't the inspector scanners just NFC-enabled Android phones? ???

Quote from: clayderman on August 19, 2017, 10:32:17 PM
Aren't the inspector scanners just NFC-enabled Android phones? ???

Correct, they use phones, they don't use scanners @GeminiFan1991

Quote from: Westy on August 19, 2017, 09:32:34 PM
The Diamond machines can do Qr codes can they?

Yes Diamonds and Firsts new ticket machines can do QR codes.
With the new First Kernow ticket machines, a day/weekly ticket is issued, at the bottom of the day/weekly ticket is a QR code, when you next board a bus you scan it using the barcode scanner when you next board the bus and the ticket machine will either say valid or invalid with the expiry date of the ticket, very good idea, as that'd prevent people showing crumpled up out of date day savers to the driver and just walking on.

Quote from: Westy on August 19, 2017, 09:32:34 PM
The Diamond machines can do Qr codes can they?

When are Nx rolling their machines out to rest of the fleet?

Yes, our Day/return/Week/monthly tickets printed from the machine now have QR codes. Much easier than checking every single date/vadility

Quote from: clayderman on August 19, 2017, 10:32:17 PM
Aren't the inspector scanners just NFC-enabled Android phones? ???

They are, but with a special app written by parkeon which shows a lot more information than the publically available Swift card app available to anybody

Quote from: clayderman on August 19, 2017, 07:02:58 PM
On a personal agenda, I wish those using the card readers board last, regardless of age (sorry). I know it's a silly/selfish thing to say, but I find (from my experience), they always block the doorway of the bus!

So I've been waiting 10 mins for the bus in town, bus stop is empty when I get there, queue builds up behind me with a number of people clutching paper passes and daysavers (in or out of date), and you want me to get on last when there's no seats left?
How about no

Quote from: Kevin on August 21, 2017, 05:48:16 PM
So I've been waiting 10 mins for the bus in town, bus stop is empty when I get there, queue builds up behind me with a number of people clutching paper passes and daysavers (in or out of date), and you want me to get on last when there's no seats left?
How about no

Well said. They should make paper pass holders go last as to allow for the extra checks of validity

Quote from: Kevin on August 21, 2017, 05:48:16 PM
So I've been waiting 10 mins for the bus in town, bus stop is empty when I get there, queue builds up behind me with a number of people clutching paper passes and daysavers (in or out of date), and you want me to get on last when there's no seats left?
How about no

People do block the doorway though. When you try and overtake with a paper pass you get 'huffs' and 'puffs' from Swift Card users as they don't like to be overtaken. In all honesty many people try and argue, there's nothing you can do.

Quote from: Jack B on August 21, 2017, 05:51:40 PM
People do block the doorway though. When you try and overtake with a paper pass you get 'huffs' and 'puffs' from Swift Card users as they don't like to be overtaken. In all honesty many people try and argue, there's nothing you can do.

People who pay cash also block the doors, people with prams also block the doors
The doors are only that wide, have some patience, everyone has the same chance to get on the bus and the driver has to make sure too many people don't get on

Also, of course you'll get people huffing and puffing at you, mainly because it's just rude to push past

I find it so ignorant when people push past others scanning passes. usually the fare dodgers do it when they think you are not looking. People are very impatient when getting on the bus. I just give them a dirty look

Quote from: Jack B on August 21, 2017, 05:51:40 PM
People do block the doorway though. When you try and overtake with a paper pass you get 'huffs' and 'puffs' from Swift Card users as they don't like to be overtaken. In all honesty many people try and argue, there's nothing you can do.

When I was your age, I was taught to be polite and patient, if there is a queue wait your turn and let the person in front finish first. This is a reason I hate the design of modern bus shelters (especially those in the city centre), the older layouts would allow a queue to form, with everyone being able to take their turn.

Many people nowadays are just selfish, impatient and inconsiderate of anybody but themselves, hence why when the bus doors open it becomes a free-for-all to get on. Some people won't even make space to allow passengers to get off the bus first!

Quote from: Stu on August 21, 2017, 06:33:08 PM
When I was your age, I was taught to be polite and patient, if there is a queue wait your turn and let the person in front finish first. This is a reason I hate the design of modern bus shelters (especially those in the city centre), the older layouts would allow a queue to form, with everyone being able to take their turn.

Many people nowadays are just selfish, impatient and inconsiderate of anybody but themselves, hence why when the bus doors open it becomes a free-for-all to get on. Some people won't even make space to allow passengers to get off the bus first!

The Solihull bus stops are bad aswell. Had an arguement over someone pushing in at a crowded 37 Stop. People who don't make space for the current passengers to get off is just selfish. I usually wait until the driver says I can get on. Before everyone starts on me going that it's rude that I overtake people, I do it to the people who shake their pass around on the Smartcard reader (not having a clue how to use it) and people who like to hold up the bus by trying to have a useless conversation with the driver. I know how to use the bus, I've been taught how to be polite, it's just my opinion sounds harsh.

Quote from: Jack B on August 21, 2017, 06:43:59 PM
The Solihull bus stops are bad aswell. Had an arguement over someone pushing in at a crowded 37 Stop. People who don't make space for the current passengers to get off is just selfish. I usually wait until the driver says I can get on. Before everyone starts on me going that it's rude that I overtake people, I do it to the people who shake their pass around on the Smartcard reader (not having a clue how to use it) and people who like to hold up the bus by trying to have a useless conversation with the driver. I know how to use the bus, I've been taught how to be polite, it's just my opinion sounds harsh.

Rather than the overtaking and complaining about people not knowing how to use a smart card or the bus, you could do something positive and maybe teach them how to use their pass correctly to speed up everyone's journey.

Quote from: Gareth on August 21, 2017, 10:29:42 PM
Rather than the overtaking and complaining about people not knowing how to use a smart card or the bus, you could do something positive and maybe teach them how to use their pass correctly to speed up everyone's journey.

Why should I have to teach them how to use their pass? I'm sorry but if they have a smart card or Swift then they should know how to use it. They got given the Swift Card so they should know what to do. Even if I tried to teach someone you'll just get a load of attitude. That's Birmingham for you. I'm not to blame for people shaking their pass on the reader, it's their own fault.

Quote from: Jack B on August 21, 2017, 10:34:25 PM
Why should I have to teach them how to use their pass? I'm sorry but if they have a smart card or Swift then they should know how to use it. They got given the Swift Card so they should know what to do. Even if I tried to teach someone you'll just get a load of attitude. That's Birmingham for you.

Just because you're given something doesn't mean you automatically know how to use it. No matter how easy it is for others. OAP passes were automatically changed to smart card and nBus got changed automatically to swift.
To you, me and many others it's completely obvious how to use a smart card. But it's obviously not that obvious to others.

Quote from: Gareth on August 21, 2017, 10:40:10 PM
Just because you're given something doesn't mean you automatically know how to use it. No matter how easy it is for others. OAP passes were automatically changed to smart card and nBus got changed automatically to swift.
To you, me and many others it's completely obvious how to use a smart card. But it's obviously not that obvious to others.

I use a Paper Pass, but I know how people use the card reader. There is adverts on vehicles that show how to use card reader's, as usual knowone takes any notice of them and struggle to use it. I use the bus network to get to places, not show people how to use the card reader.

Quote from: Jack B on August 21, 2017, 10:43:05 PM
I use a Paper Pass, but I know how people use the card reader. There is adverts on vehicles that show how to use card reader's, as usual knowone takes any notice of them and struggle to use it. I use the bus network to get to places, not show people how to use the card reader.

What notices on the bus, that show them how to use the card readers because i've never seen one.

Though when you first get your card they do come with a information booklet/letter from TFWM/NX explaining exactly how to use the cards and everything you'd need to know about, so there shouldn't realy be anything to be confused about.

Quote from: 2206 on August 21, 2017, 10:51:25 PM
What notices on the bus, that show them how to use the card readers because i've never seen one.

Though when you first get your card they do come with a information booklet/letter from TFWM/NX explaining exactly how to use the cards and everything you'd need to know about, so there shouldn't realy be anything to be confused about.

A good number have them. 1868 has one right at the front and tells you to keep it still until the green light appears.

Seems as though my unpopular opinion may have caused quite a stir. 🤷🏻‍♂️

Ironically, my original post was meant to highlight the impatience of the possessors of Swift cards who don't keep their cards still on the readers - as they wait for them to scan. I didn't realise how controversial my last statement would be, and I can only apologise for such an inconsiderate act. Believe it or not, I am an owner of a Pay-as-you-go Swift card. My original purpose was to use it on the smaller operators only; such as Diamond or iGo whenever I find myself in situations where I am short of change. I rarely use it on NX buses, though when I have, I often wait for the other passengers to board before me.

Since the beginning of the Spring Term (this year), I found myself upgrading from the standard NX-only Term Plus pass to the nBus Term pass; and then the nBus + Metro, for the Summer Term of 2017; rendering my PAYG Swift card (essentially) redundant. My point being, come the new school term, when I am issued with my Term pass on a Swift card - I will have reconsidered my original thoughts of smartcard users... The introduction of the new ticket machines/card readers will help also.