READING Buses’ sister company, Thames Valley Buses, is trialling the use of age verification measures on their mobile app.
The service provides Boost services to those under 18, or under 21 if in full-time education at local colleges or universities.
From August, customers who purchase Boost tickets through Thames Valley Buses’ mobile app for use in Maidenhead will be required to verify their age.
The trial period will allow customers to upload ID details to the app for an automated visual check which will allow them to buy Boost tickets.
Robert Williams, chief executive officer of Thames Valley Buses, said: “The aim of the trial is to see if we can remove the need for older children and students to carry ID to prove their age to the driver on every journey.
“Whilst we understand that some younger children may not have ID they are also less likely to have a mobile phone.
“A number of Boost tickets, such as singles and returns, will still be available to buy on board our services in Maidenhead, providing the driver is happy that they are the right age.”
Robert added: “The trial will enable us to monitor the customer reaction in a defined area and, if it is successful, then we will consider rolling it out on a larger scale.”
