Tap On, Tap Off – Coming Soon to East Yorkshire Buses
3 weeks ago
A Smarter Way to Travel
Getting around with East Yorkshire Buses is about to become easier, faster and more convenient than ever before.
We're introducing Tap On, Tap Off — a simple new way to pay for your journeys using your contactless bank card, smartphone or smart device.
There’s no need to decide which ticket to buy, no need to carry cash, and no need to worry about paying too much. Simply:
- Tap on when you board the bus.
- Tap off when you leave.
- We'll calculate the best value fare automatically.
Our new system works out the cost of your travel based on the journeys you actually make. At the end of the day, you'll only be charged for the travel you've used, with daily fare caps applied automatically where eligible.
Whether you're commuting to work, heading into town, meeting friends or making several trips throughout the day, Tap On, Tap Off makes bus travel simpler and stress-free.
East Yorkshire Buses already accepts contactless payments across its network, mobile tickets through the East Yorkshire Buses app, and supports Apple Pay and Google Pay.
How Does Tap On, Tap Off Work?
Using Tap On, Tap Off couldn't be simpler.
When you board the bus, place your contactless card or payment device against the reader and wait for confirmation.
When you leave the bus, tap the same card or device on the reader again.
Our system will record where you joined and left the service, calculate the correct fare and apply any fare caps available for your travel.
At the end of the day, the total amount owed will be processed automatically.
There’s no need to tell the driver where you're travelling, no need to ask for a ticket and no need to work out which fare offers the best value.
What Is Daily Fare Capping?
One of the biggest benefits of Tap On, Tap Off is automatic fare capping.
This means if you make multiple journeys during the same day, you'll never pay more than the equivalent day ticket price for the areas you've travelled within.
Instead of buying a day ticket "just in case", you can simply travel as normal and let the system work everything out for you.
Pay for a single journey? Great.
Make several journeys throughout the day? The system will automatically stop charging once you've reached the daily cap.
It's a smarter way to travel and ensures you always receive the best value for your journeys.
Similar systems are now widely used across bus networks throughout the UK, helping passengers travel more flexibly while automatically receiving capped fares.
Accepted Payment Methods
Tap On, Tap Off will work with most contactless payment methods, including:
- Contactless debit cards
- Contactless credit cards
- Apple Pay
- Google Pay
- Smart watches and wearable payment devices
To receive the correct fare and any fare caps, you must use the same card or device every time you travel throughout the day.
For example:
✅ Tap on with your bank card and tap off with the same bank card.
✅ Tap on with Apple Pay and tap off with the same phone or watch.
❌ Tap on with your physical card and tap off using your phone wallet.
The system treats each payment method as a separate card.
Why Use Tap On, Tap Off?
No Need to Choose a Ticket
Forget wondering whether you need a single, return or day ticket.
Just travel and we'll work out the best fare for you.
Faster Boarding
Because there's no need to discuss fares or purchase tickets, boarding becomes quicker and more efficient, helping keep services moving and reducing delays.
No Cash Required
Simply tap and travel using your preferred contactless payment method.
Automatic Best Value
Daily caps ensure you don't pay more than necessary when making multiple journeys.
Paperless Travel
No paper tickets to keep hold of and no receipts to lose.
Journey Tracking
You'll be able to view your journeys, charges and downloadable receipts on a portal which will be available soon.
Through the portal you'll be able to:
- View your journey history
- Check fares charged
- Download receipts
- Review daily travel activity
- Monitor fare caps applied
- Contact customer services if you need assistance
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it really as simple as tapping on and tapping off?
Yes.
Simply tap your contactless card or payment device when boarding and again when leaving the bus.
Our system automatically records your journey and calculates the correct fare.
The only thing you need to remember is to use the same card or device throughout the day.
What happens if I forget to tap off?
If you don't tap off, the system won't know where you left the bus.
In these cases, you'll usually be charged a default fare based on travelling to the end of the route.
You can review the charge through the Tap On, Tap Off Portal and contact our customer services team if you think there's been a mistake.
When will I be charged?
Charges are normally processed after the end of the operating day once all your journeys have been calculated.
Depending on your bank, the payment may take a little longer to appear on your account.
Can I see what I've been charged?
Absolutely.
The portal will provide a breakdown of:
- Journey dates
- Routes travelled
- Boarding and alighting activity
- Daily totals
- Fare caps applied
Will I get a ticket?
No.
Tap On, Tap Off is designed to be completely paperless.
Your card or device acts as your travel token, and receipts can be downloaded from the online portal whenever needed.
Can I use Tap On, Tap Off for child tickets or discounted fares?
Not at this time.
Tap On, Tap Off is intended for standard adult fares only.
If you need:
- Child tickets
- Group tickets
- Promotional offers
Please continue to purchase these directly from the driver or through the East Yorkshire Buses app where available. East Yorkshire Buses continues to offer a range of discounted and multi-journey ticket options through its app and ticketing products.
Can I pay for more than one passenger?
No.
Each customer must use their own contactless card or payment device.
If you're travelling with family, friends or colleagues, please purchase tickets from the driver or through the East Yorkshire Buses app.
What if my card doesn't work?
If your card is declined or unable to be read, the driver will advise you and you'll need to purchase a ticket using another payment method.
As with all contactless transactions, your bank may occasionally require additional security checks.
Is Tap On, Tap Off secure?
Yes.
Tap On, Tap Off uses the same secure contactless payment technology used in shops, restaurants and public transport networks across the UK.
Your payment information is protected using industry-standard banking security systems. Contactless payments are already accepted throughout the East Yorkshire Buses network.
I think I've been charged incorrectly
You can review all journeys and charges through the Tap On, Tap Off Portal.
If something doesn't look right, our customer services team will be happy to investigate and assist.
Need More Help?
Our friendly customer services team will be ready to help with any questions about Tap On, Tap Off, fare calculations, charges or journey history.
Whether you're a regular commuter or trying Tap On, Tap Off for the first time, we'll be here to make sure your experience is as smooth as possible.
Tap. Travel. Go.
No ticket choices.
No cash.
No paper tickets.
No fuss.
Just tap on, tap off and let East Yorkshire Buses do the rest.
Tap On, Tap Off is coming soon across the East Yorkshire Buses network — making everyday travel simpler, smarter and better value.