In an effort to reduce the need for paper tickets while also offering passengers an easier method to pay for their journeys, Newport Bus has launched the new Freedom smartcard, according to BBC News.

The free smart card will serve as an alternative to paying cash for paper tickets by deducting the cost from the card when it is placed on the ticket machine. Freedom cards can be used by passengers to buy any of Newport Bus’ on-bus products including City and City Day Plus tickets.

The reusable transit smart cards can be topped-up when boarding the bus or at the transport’s Travel Centre at Newport Bus Station. Passengers can pre-pay to put whatever money they choose in multiples of £5, £10, £15 and £20. The credit stays on the card indefinitely and only gets deducted from when used to cover bus fare.

In addition, card owners can give their card to anyone – friends or family – to use and they do not need to be with them when they get on the bus for them to use it.

Read the full story here.