The way that we plan and pay for bus journeys is changing. Gone are the days of flicking through printed timetables, standing at the bus stop in the hope that your bus is around the corner, or fumbling around for some loose change.
Bus operators have been embracing the technology now available, and in particular how we can make use of smartphone apps to gain access to public transport in a user-friendly and convenient way.
The best apps to use will depend upon the bus operators serving your local area or route. At the foot of this page we have provided links to the Arriva, Stagecoach and Go North East bus apps, however, here are a few of the common features that all provide access to:
Real Time Bus Location Maps
In an ideal world, all bus services would run exactly to their timetable, and whilst things are certainly improving in that respect, there will always be that occasion when you wonder exactly what time to expect your bus to arrive.
Do not fear, however. A common feature of bus operator apps is a real time bus location map, showing exactly where your bus is. Think an Uber style map, for buses. A quick visit to the app will show you where your bus is, making it easy to plan when to leave your home or desk and walk straight onto the bus without too much of a wait.
Trip Planner
Forget timetables (well, not completely). All you really need to plan a journey by bus is your start point and your endpoint. Plug this information into a bus operator app (or drop a pin) and the clever trip planner will list out your options, including details of the bus stop location and walking route. The app will tell you which service(s) to catch, where from, what time, and how long your journey will last.
Don’t forget, however, that the app will only list services provided by that bus operator. If you want to check out the full list of options available to you, make sure to use an independent trip planner. See further details on our Planning A Journey By Public Transport page.
Timetables
For those people who like a good old timetable, bus operator apps provide you with access at your fingertips. Search for bus services and view bus timetables on your phone, wherever you are.
Buy And Store Your Tickets
Like many other things, paying for bus journeys is going contactless. There is still the option to pay for single and return journeys on the bus (often in cash or by card), but if you are buying a period ticket (day, weekly, monthly or annual) the best option is to buy the ticket via your app. Payment is easy, and once purchased your ticket is stored on your app ready to scan on the bus.
No need to search for change or carry paper tickets around any more. Everything you need is in one place on your phone!
Go North East and Arriva Apps
The majority of bus services operating around Newcastle are provided by either Go North East or Arriva bus. Access their apps via the links below:
- Arriva Bus App: Click here
- Go North East App: Click here
- Stagecoach App: Click here