New digital PlusBus ticket enables seamless rail and bus travel

A new digital version of the PlusBus ticket, which makes it easier for customers to complete a journey using the train and the bus, has been launched nationwide by Rail Delivery Group (RDG) in partnership with Traveline.  

Customer purchasing habits have changed dramatically in recent years, with over two thirds now using digital tickets for their journeys, increasing demand for simpler, more flexible ways to travel across different modes of transport.  

Previously only available as a paper ticket, PlusBus as mentioned as part of the Government’s recent Better Connected strategy, is now available in most areas nationwide as an eTicket following a successful trial in Yorkshire and Cambridge in 2025, enabling passengers to combine bus and rail travel without the need for separate paper tickets.  

PlusBus is a rail ticket add-on that allows unlimited travel on most buses and trams within each PlusBus zone, with no on or off-peak restrictions. Most bus operators recognise and accept the new PlusBus eTicket, which is purchased at the same time as a rail ticket through online retailers and train operators.   

Customers now only need to make a single purchase when planning their journey, and when choosing to access their tickets digitally, will receive separate barcodes for the rail and bus elements. This means that passengers no longer need to carry a separate paper ticket for the bus.    

The key innovation behind the launch of digital PlusBus tickets is the acceptance of the National Rail barcode on most local buses and trams within over 280 PlusBus zones across England, Wales and parts of Scotland.   

Moving the PlusBus product from paper to digital also makes journeys more environmentally sustainable, and encourages greater use of public transport, with a single train journey emitting nearly five times less carbon emissions than the same trip by car—equivalent to saving as much carbon as boiling a kettle 455 times.   

Paul Bowden, Commercial Director at Rail Delivery Group, said: “Making PlusBus available as an eTicket is a major step forward in a seamless ticketing experience for customers. Being able to receive their rail and PlusBus ticket together online, in one transaction, suits the customer of today, with more and more people preferring the flexibility of digital tickets.   

“This is a significant achievement that helps remove barriers between different forms of public transport and makes journeys easier, sustainable and more convenient. As the industry moves towards the creation of Great British Railways, we are working hard to make buying tickets as straightforward as possible for customers.”  

Julie Gray, Chief Executive at Traveline said: “Our customers asked us for a digital PlusBus ticket that they can use at both ends of their rail journey, and we’ve delivered! 

“This fantastic new product for England, Scotland and Wales is already going from strength to strength with 60% growth year on year, making truly integrated travel a reality for more and more people every day. 

“We’ve worked hard with RDG, as well as bus and train companies, from design to test and roll out of the new PlusBus ticket and are excited for the next phase of growth; to expand PlusBus availability to customers through new and larger areas, across more retailers, and to promote it more widely.”