UK bus operator First Group and mobile ticketing and cashless payment technology provider Corethree have partnered with ITSO Transit Hub, Google Pay, and Ticketer to bring mobile ticketing in Glasgow to Google Pay.

The ‘host card emulation’ (HCE) solution is currently being piloted in Glasgow with tickets created and fulfilled by ITSO Transit Hub’s cloud-based ticketing service and then stored in Google Pay

Glasgow mobile ticketing: NFC-compatible readers

Using near-field communication (NFC), ITSO-on-Mobile ticketing allows passengers to validate their journey by tapping on NFC-compatible readers like on-board Ticketer ETMs or ticket gates. The solution leverages Corethree’s Core Engine platform.

“This is a monumental step for our company and a clear validation of our commitment to provide the best customer experience through technology innovation,” said Dave Lynch, CIO, First Group.

“This collaboration marks the dawn of a new way to travel, as it will enable our passengers to simply tap their Android smartphone on any contactless reader to validate their journey through Google Pay, which they regularly use for their other digital cards. We look forward to working closely with our long-term partner Corethree, ITSO Transit Hub, the Google team, and Ticketer to conduct a successful pilot and bring the offering to the masses.”

Following the Glasgow trial, the solution will be rolled out across the First Group network, consisting of more than 1.6 million passengers.