A digital version of the PlusBus ticket has been launched across the UK, allowing passengers to combine rail and local bus or tram travel through a single purchase.

The ticket, introduced by the Rail Delivery Group in partnership with Traveline, is now available as an eTicket in most areas nationwide. It follows a trial in parts of Yorkshire and Cambridge in 2025.

New digital PlusBus ticket

© Rail Delivery Group

PlusBus, a rail ticket add-on, enables unlimited travel on most buses and trams within designated zones. Previously issued only as a paper ticket, it can now be bought online alongside a rail fare, with passengers receiving separate barcodes for each part of their journey.

The change reflects wider shifts in ticket purchasing, with industry data indicating that more than two-thirds of customers now use digital tickets. The updated format is intended to simplify journeys involving multiple modes of transport.

The system relies on the acceptance of National Rail barcodes by bus and tram operators across more than 280 PlusBus zones in England, Wales and parts of Scotland. Most participating operators are now able to scan and validate the digital tickets.

Passengers using the eTicket no longer need to carry a paper ticket for the bus portion of their journey, as both elements can be stored on a mobile device.

Paul Bowden, Commercial Director at Rail Delivery Group, said:

Making PlusBus available as an eTicket is a major step forward in a seamless ticketing experience for customers. Being able to receive their rail and PlusBus ticket together online, in one transaction, suits the customer of today, with more and more people preferring the flexibility of digital tickets.

This is a significant achievement that helps remove barriers between different forms of public transport and makes journeys easier, sustainable and more convenient. As the industry moves towards the creation of Great British Railways, we are working hard to make buying tickets as straightforward as possible for customers.

The introduction of digital PlusBus comes as the rail sector continues preparations for the creation of Great British Railways, which is expected to bring further changes to ticketing and network coordination.

source= https://railway-news.com/uk-digital-plusbus-ticket-introduced-to-link-rail-bus-and-tram-travel/