Highland Council committed to making public transport more accessible with myTrip

Bus users can now purchase Highland Council bus tickets through Passenger’s myTrip mobile app.

In January 2023, the council initiated a new in-house bus service pilot project to provide passenger and school transport services more cost-effectively than commercial contractors.

The council bus service is now integrated with the myTrip app, which offers ticket sales and a service tracker. This integration allows customers to buy tickets for their journeys and provides a QR code for scanning on ticket machines.

Councillor Ken Gowans, Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, said: “Since we launched our in-house bus service, the public response has been very positive. I extend my gratitude to our communities and all our passengers for their support.

“I am sure the app will be a great help when people are planning their journeys. We are committed to making public transport more accessible and convenient for everyone. The Highland Council Bus team have worked very hard to develop the service and the public can look forward to even better services as we go forward.”

The app enables travellers to track buses, and view vehicle registration details, service number, and bus colour, enhancing passenger safety. Departure times can be easily accessed by clicking on the bus stop map provided. The app, available for download on Google Play and Apple Store, also allows users to purchase bus tickets as gifts for family and friends.

Kerrie Grant, Customer Success Manager for myTrip, said: “We are delighted to welcome Highland Council buses to the myTrip family.

“As a national app solution developed by Passenger, the UK’s leading public transport app provider, myTrip offers an affordable and efficient way for local transport authorities to improve their customer experience with mobile ticketing and vehicle tracking.

“Joining esteemed operators such as JMB Travel, Prentice of Haddington, McColl’s, Garelochhead Coaches, and Shiel buses, Highland Council buses are now part of a growing network dedicated to making public transport more accessible for everyone.”

In its first year of operation, the in-house service transported 449 eligible home-to-school pupils daily and 52,046 public passengers. In addition to the scheduled routes, the buses have been hired by schools and community organizations. Twenty-four schools in the Inverness/Black Isle/Dingwall area currently use this facility.

The team’s efforts were recognized when they won the Service Innovation and Improvement category at the 2024 Highland Council Staff Recognition Awards.

Councillor Ken Gowans personally thanked the team for their hard work. He said: “The project has always focused on achieving financial savings while providing improved and more inclusive community services. Moving forward, the team will continue to explore new opportunities and deliver excellent service.”

myTrip is an affordable national app solution created by Passenger, the UK’s top-rated public transport app provider, designed for smaller operators and local transport authorities seeking to enhance their customer experience with mobile ticketing and vehicle tracking.