Arriva bus drivers in the UK will not cash

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Arriva bus drivers in the UK will not be accepting cash payments on our services unless in exceptional circumstances or where the exact fare can be paid.

The short-term measure has been brought in to help protect Arriva drivers and customers during the COVID-19 pandemic, with drivers now unable to provide change to customers. Where passengers don't have the exact fare needed to travel and still wish to board, Arriva UK Bus will be donating any additional cash to the NHS COVID-19 Appeal, which is supporting NHS staff and volunteers caring for patients with the virus.



Paul O'Neil, Managing Director UK Bus said: "The safety of our colleagues and customers remains our number one priority and we will continue to monitor and adjust our approach as and when the situation evolves. In addition to going cashless, we have already implemented several measures to reduce the amount of physical contact between our customers and drivers, including enhancing the driver's protective screen, discouraging passengers from sitting close to the driver's cab, and deep cleaning buses on a daily basis." ​



While our drivers are no longer accepting cash from today, contactless payments on board our services continue to rise, with customers also encouraged to buy tickets in advance using the Arriva m-ticket app and website.



Cora Woodhouse, Marketing Director said: "Throughout this crisis we have been focussed on keeping our customers informed, supporting key workers' travel requirements and keeping our drivers and customers safe. One of our main focus areas has been to encourage non-cash payments via contactless and m-ticket by pushing out key information and messages via our social media channels, e-CRM, on-board messaging and PPC. We have also developed a dedicated COVID 19 section on our website and have been working closely with local press and broadcasters to ensure we are as proactive as possible with our messaging."



Neil Shah, Digital & Commercial Platforms Director added: "On average contactless use in UK Bus sits at around​ 35%, however since the start of lockdown in the UK we have seen this increase to 59​% nationally, and as high as 89% in one area. We expect this crisis to create a step change in customer payment behaviour, with many customers moving away from cash as we come out of lockdown."

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