Then and now: Bus firm Stagecoach East highlights changes in ticket machine technology

A bus company service Fenland has continued to celebrate its 40th anniversary by showcasing the development of ticket-machine technology.

Stagecoach East which covers communities in Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire has released an image showing machines then and now.

The bus operator has released a picture from its archive of a Setright ticket machine, which was once a well-known feature of transport across the region. The portable Setright used a number of dials and a handle to crank out paper tickets to local people.

Whereas modern ticket machines are computer-enabled and can store hundreds of routes across different depots; they dispense tickets at the press of a button.

They constantly keep track of where the bus is so that customers can see this information on the Stagecoach App.

They also accept smart and contactless cards for ease of payment and ensure consistent pricing across the region. Messages can also be sent to drivers through the ticket machines.

David Boden, business development director of Stagecoach East, said: “As we celebrate 40 years of Stagecoach East/Cambus, it is important that we remember our heritage of such iconic items as the ticket machine, but also appreciate the modern technology which helps to get our loyal customers where they need to go as quickly and conveniently as possible.

“A modern bus is a technological marvel - including our fleet of electric buses – and we are proud to bring our modern fleet and technology to the heart of this forward-looking and progressive region. Features like contactless payment are essential for new customers in the modern day.”