A GOVERNMENT transport minister has praised a new ‘smart card’ system which allows people to travel seamlessly using Metro and bus services.
The Pop pay-as-you-go card allows passengers using the Tyne and Wear Metro, as well as local bus services, to book tickets online and have them automatically loaded onto their card.
Customers touching in and out at Metro ticketing gates will automatically be charged the best fare while customers on Metro also benefit from a ‘last journey’ guarantee – allowing them to travel even if the journey takes them into a negative balance, provided that they later top up the card.
Transport Minister Andrew Jones visited Newcastle to meet the team at Metro operator Nexus, who are behind the scheme.
He said: "The Pop pay-as-you-go card is a great initiative that will ensure passengers across the North-East can enjoy seamless journeys and save money on their local bus and Metro services.”
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