CARDIFF Bus has launched a mobile ticketing service giving customers the opportunity to buy tickets across the whole network via their mobile phones.

The m-ticketing service can be accessed via Cardiff Bus’ free iff app, which is available on iPhone and Android devices on any mobile network, and allows bus passengers to browse, select, purchase and use bus tickets directly from their mobile phones.

Customers have the ability to choose from the range of Cardiff Bus ticketing options, including family, day, week and from January monthly tickets. Users can also select their preferred payment method with debit, credit card or Barclays Pingit mobile checkout options and easy one-time registration of payment details.

The investment in this new technology has been developed to give customers an easy way to purchase tickets and to speed up boarding.

Peter Heath, operations and commercial director of Cardiff Bus, said: "We’re always looking for ways to improve the efficiency of our operations and provide an enhanced customer experience. The launch of our mobile ticketing service offers passengers an easy and quick way to purchase tickets and board buses.

"The introduction of this technology is the latest step in our efforts to provide a public transport network that rivals the best in the UK and is fitting for a dynamic European Capital City.”

The launch of m-ticketing is the latest update to Cardiff Bus’ app which was launched earlier this year to help customers find details on bus routes, maps and live times conveniently and quickly. The iff app also helps travellers find the nearest bus stop and provides the latest news and service updates.

Mr Heath continued: "Since we launched our iff app in August, it has been downloaded 15,000 times. This proves that mobile technology is of real value to our customers as it is when you're out and about that you really need to have live travel information at your fingertips. The extension of the app to include mobile ticketing was natural and we’re looking forward to seeing how it is received by our customers."

In a bid to help reduce boarding times, from January 6, 2014 Cardiff Bus will no longer issue change vouchers.

He added: "As of next year, we will no longer issue change vouchers on board our buses in an effort to increase the speed of our service and help our routes run on time for the convenience of our customers. With the introduction of the m-ticketing service, combined with our iff card, which can be pre-loaded with credit, customers now have more convenient ways to pay for tickets."

Customers have until January 31 2014 to redeem change vouchers from Cardiff Bus’ customer service centre on Wood Street.