FIRSTGROUP has declared it has become the first bus operator to introduce contactless payments in Scotland.

The transport giant has introduced the facility on its First Aberdeen local bus operation, stating the move will speed up boarding times and services. Apple Pay and Android Pay have also been introduced as part of the contactless roll-out.

The innovation follows the introduction by First Bus, a division of FirstGroup, of the mTicket app, which allows travellers to purchase tickets in advance. It also recently launched the multi-operator GrassHOPPER smartcard in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.

First Bus said contactless payments will soon be available in its First Glasgow and First Scotland and East/ Midland Bluebird services.

Andrew Jarvis, the managing director of First Bus in Scotland, said: “This is another major step forward in improving the experience for our customers and builds on other innovations including our mobile mTickets and new journey planner app.”